Brussels: The S Jaishankar Belgium Visit gained momentum on Tuesday as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings with senior European Union leaders in Brussels, focusing on clean energy, innovation, strategic partnerships and expanding India-EU cooperation across key sectors. The discussions also highlighted growing collaboration in connectivity, semiconductors, supply chains and emerging technologies.
During his meeting with European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, Dr. Jaishankar explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in research and innovation. In a social media post, he said both sides discussed expanding collaboration in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startup ecosystems and India’s association with the Horizon Europe research programme.
S Jaishankar Belgium Visit Strengthens India-EU Innovation Partnership
The discussions with Commissioner Zaharieva focused on building long-term cooperation in scientific research and technological innovation. Both sides exchanged views on encouraging collaboration between startups, research institutions and innovation ecosystems while promoting sustainable technologies that support the global energy transition.
The meeting reflects India’s increasing engagement with European research initiatives as both partners seek to accelerate technological cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, climate innovation and advanced scientific research.
India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue Reviews Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
A key highlight of the S Jaishankar Belgium Visit was the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue, which Dr. Jaishankar co-chaired with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The dialogue reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored ways to deepen strategic cooperation between India, Belgium and the European Union.
The leaders discussed collaboration in political affairs, trade, investments, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, mobility and defence. They also explored opportunities in ports, maritime infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain diversification, reflecting the growing strategic importance of resilient global supply networks.
IMEC, Green Shipping and Connectivity Receive Special Focus
Earlier in the day, Dr. Jaishankar met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, where discussions centred on strengthening connectivity initiatives and sustainable infrastructure development.
Both leaders reviewed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), trilateral partnerships and green shipping initiatives. The discussions underscored the shared objective of improving regional connectivity while supporting environmentally sustainable transport and logistics networks linking Europe, the Middle East and India.
India and the European Union Continue to Deepen Strategic Engagement
India and the European Union have significantly expanded their strategic partnership in recent years, with cooperation extending beyond trade into critical technologies, digital infrastructure, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains and security. Negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement have also gained momentum, while both sides continue to strengthen collaboration through the Trade and Technology Council and other institutional mechanisms.
Belgium remains one of India’s important partners within the European Union, particularly in trade, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, logistics and advanced manufacturing. Brussels also serves as the headquarters of major European institutions, making it a key venue for India’s diplomatic engagement with the EU.
Growing Cooperation Reflects Shared Global Priorities
The discussions also included an exchange of views on important international developments, including the evolving situation in West Asia. Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining close consultations on regional and global issues while strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest.
The S Jaishankar Belgium Visit highlights India’s growing engagement with Europe across diplomacy, technology, clean energy and economic cooperation. As New Delhi and Brussels continue to deepen their strategic partnership, both sides are expected to accelerate collaboration in innovation, sustainable development and resilient global supply chains, further reinforcing the India-EU relationship.
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