AMN / NEWS DESK
BRUSSELS: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has concluded a high-level diplomatic visit to Belgium, underscoring a deepening partnership between India, Belgium, and the European Union. Centered on technology, innovation, and strategic security, the visit focused on turning long-term policy goals into concrete cooperation across critical sectors.
A primary highlight of the visit was Dr. Jaishankar’s meeting with Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation. The two leaders focused on creating a roadmap for synergy in clean and green energy technologies.
Key takeaways from their discussion include:
Startup Ecosystems: Strengthening ties between European and Indian innovation hubs.
Collaborative Research: Exploring pathways for deeper Indian association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation.
Green Tech: Prioritizing joint efforts in sustainable energy development to meet shared climate targets.
India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue: A New Milestone
Dr. Jaishankar co-chaired the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels alongside Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot. This new forum marks an ambitious step in elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic level.
The dialogue served as a comprehensive review of the India-Belgium and wider India-EU partnership, focusing on:
- Core Sectors: Deepening engagement in defense, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and investment.
- Strategic Domains: Exploring new frontiers in semiconductors, maritime connectivity, and port development.
- Economic Security: Aligning on strategies for supply chain de-risking.
- Global Geopolitics: Exchanging perspectives on pressing regional challenges, including the current situation in West Asia.
Advancing Global Connectivity
Further expanding his agenda, Dr. Jaishankar met with Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Their talks centered on structural connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and advancements in green shipping. The leaders emphasized the importance of trilateral partnerships as a tool for sustainable global development.
The visit comes at a pivotal time for India-EU relations, reflecting a shared commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven, and stable economic landscape between the two regions.