EAM Jaishankar meets European Parliament President Roberta Metsola; discusses trade, strategic partnerships

ANI June 11, 2025 297 views

EAM Jaishankar met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to deepen India-EU collaboration on trade, technology, and security. Both leaders expressed optimism about translating commitments into concrete actions, including finalizing a free trade agreement. The discussions followed Jaishankar's high-level engagements with Belgian leadership and EU officials. The visit reinforced India's growing strategic partnership with Europe amid shared democratic values.

"Delighted to welcome India's External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar... we look forward to transforming commitments into actions." – Roberta Metsola
Brussels, June 11: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed cooperation between India and Europe on several fronts, including trade, technology and security.

Key Points

1

Jaishankar pushes for stronger India-EU parliamentary ties

2

Both leaders emphasize trade, tech, and security cooperation

3

Metsola highlights progress on India-EU free trade deal

4

Follows Jaishankar's meetings with Belgian PM and EU leaders

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "A warm conversation with @EP_President Roberta Metsola in Brussels this morning. Discussed further strengthening of India-EU parliamentary ties, building upon our shared values of democracy and pluralism. Value her positive sentiments on advancing our partnership in trade, technology and security."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1932744194679861374

The similar sentiments were shared by European Parliament President Metsola, who said that they look forward towards transforming commitments to actions for strengthening India-Europe strategic partnerships.

"Delighted to welcome India's External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to @Europarl_EN. As negotiations on a free trade agreement advance, we look forward to transforming commitments into actions and to strengthening the strategic partnership between Europe and India", she wrote on X.

https://x.com/EP_President/status/1932721531030737276

EAM Jaishankar had an action-packed day in Brussels earlier, where he held several high-profile interactions.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar met the Prime Minister of Belgium on Tuesday and discussed the strengthening of India-Belgium cooperation on several fronts such as security, defence and trade. He also met the King of Belgium during his visit.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1932438996145066449

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1932426294790328702

Earlier, EAM Jaishankar also held a press conference with the Vice-President of the European Union, Kaja Kallas.

During the address to the media, Kaja Kallas stressed the EU's support for India's right to protect its citizens and condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Kallas said, "I want to reiterate the EU's strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Those responsible must be held accountable. India has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with international law. Minister Jaishankar, you and I were in close contact after the attack."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Belgium on Tuesday and stated that the "strategic partnership" between India and the EU is "getting stronger."

Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community of Belgium and Luxembourg, discussing the steady progress of India-Belgium ties and its engagement with the European Union.

During the interaction, Jaishankar apprised the community of India's efforts to counter terrorism and promote the country's progress and prosperity.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Strong EU-India partnership is crucial in today's multipolar world. Glad to see focus on trade and technology - we need more semiconductor collaborations and reduced dependence on China. Hope the FTA negotiations conclude soon! 🇮🇳🇪🇺
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Priya M.
While trade agreements are important, I hope our leaders also discuss climate change cooperation. Europe has technology we need for green transition, and India can be their manufacturing hub. Win-win situation if handled properly.
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Amit S.
Good to see EU supporting India on terrorism. Some European countries have been soft on Pakistan-sponsored terror in past. Hope this marks real policy change, not just diplomatic talk. Actions matter more than words.
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Sunita R.
Dr. Jaishankar is doing excellent diplomacy work! 👏 But I wish media would focus more on what actual benefits common Indians will get from these partnerships - cheaper imports? More jobs? Better tech transfers? We need practical outcomes.
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Vikram J.
Europe needs to understand India's position better. Sometimes their human rights lectures sound hypocritical when they ignore problems in their own backyard. Partnership should be based on mutual respect, not one-sided moral policing.
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Neha P.
As someone working in tech, I'm excited about potential collaborations! But hope our negotiators ensure fair terms - we've seen how Europe protects its industries. India must safeguard our startups and digital sovereignty while getting market access.

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