NewKerala.com

Key Points

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Portugal on its National Day while emphasizing stronger bilateral ties. His EU visit included strategic talks with Kaja Kallas on trade and security. The trip also coincides with discussions on fugitive Mehul Choksi's extradition from Belgium. Earlier, Princess Astrid's economic mission to India laid groundwork for deeper cooperation.

Key Points: Jaishankar Congratulates Portugal FM Rangel on National Day

  • Jaishankar meets EU's Kaja Kallas for strategic dialogue
  • India pushes for balanced EU trade deal
  • Princess Astrid's economic mission reviewed
  • Extradition of Mehul Choksi discussed in Belgium
2 min read

Jaishankar congratulates Portuguese FM on their national day, eyes stronger ties

EAM Jaishankar extends wishes to Portugal, seeks stronger bilateral ties amid EU-India strategic talks and Choksi extradition case.

"Will continue efforts to strengthen our bilateral partnership and EU engagements. – S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, June 11

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar congratulated Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on their National Day and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1932454087813189936

Sharing a post on X, he wrote, "Congratulations to FM @PauloRangel_pt, the Government and people of Portugal on their National Day. Will continue efforts to strengthen our bilateral partnership and EU engagements."

Currently, Jaishankar is on an official visit to France, the European Union (EU), and Belgium from June 8 to 14, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Kaja Kallas held the first EU-India Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where he expressed India's support for concluding an "ambitious and balanced" Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union.

During Tuesday's joint press conference with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar called India and the EU "two important forces of that emerging reality" and stressed the powerful case for forging deeper ties.

He said, "It's a great pleasure to be back in Brussels and join High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas for the first strategic dialogue between India and the European Union. I believe we've had a very open and productive meeting today, and it is still continuing."

Jaishankar's visit to Brussels comes three months after Princess Astrid of Belgium led a 300-member economic mission to India. The recent visit by Princess Astrid, who met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar, discussed key areas such as labour migration, pharmaceuticals, defence, diamonds, space exploration, and green energy

Interestingly, Jaishankar's visit coincides with the detention of fugitive Indian diamantaire Mehul Choksi in a Belgian jail. Choksi, accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of Rs 13,850 crore, was arrested in mid-April on India's extradition request. India has an extradition treaty with Belgium, and the government is likely to pursue Choksi's extradition during the EAM's visit.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see India strengthening ties with European nations! Portugal may be small but has historical significance. Hope this leads to more student exchange programs - many Goans have Portuguese connections. 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇹
P
Priya M.
While diplomatic niceties are important, I hope Jaishankar ji focuses more on the Choksi extradition case. That's what common Indians care about - bringing back those who looted our banks. The timing seems perfect to push Belgium harder on this!
A
Arjun S.
The EU FTA is long overdue! Our pharma and IT sectors stand to gain so much. But we must ensure our farmers' interests are protected too. Balanced agreement as Jaishankar said is the key. Good to see India negotiating from position of strength now.
S
Sunita R.
Portugal-India relations go back 500+ years! From Vasco da Gama to today's diplomatic ties. Interesting how things have changed - now we're the emerging economic power reaching out to them. History comes full circle 😊
V
Vikram J.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, sometimes I feel we focus too much on Europe/US and neglect our immediate neighbors. Stronger EU ties are good, but let's not forget SAARC nations need equal attention for regional stability.
N
Neha T.
The diamond sector collaboration is promising! Belgium's Antwerp and India's Surat can create a powerful partnership. But we must ensure fair trade practices - no more Choksi-like scandals please. Make in India should mean ethical business too 💎

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50