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Jaishankar Deepens India-EU Ties in Strategic Brussels Visit

Pearl Doshi - Gujarat Bureau Published Jul 16, 2026, 12:39 AM Updated Sep 18, 2026, 01:03 AM

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a two-day strategic visit to Brussels, aimed at deepening India-EU ties. Key outcomes included advancing startup innovation, clean energy research, green shipping initiatives, and maritime security, reinforcing the progress made during the landmark January 2026 India-EU Summit through the Trade and Technology Council.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s high-level meetings in Brussels emphasize innovation, green shipping, and resilient supply chains.

BRUSSELS — External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar concluded a two-day high-level diplomatic visit to Brussels this week, marking a significant push to expand the India-European Union strategic partnership. The visit, which took place on July 14–15, 2026, focused on accelerating cooperation in startups, connectivity, green energy, and maritime security as part of the ongoing 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) assembly.

Accompanying EAM Jaishankar on this mission was a senior Indian delegation, including Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, and Principal Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay K. Sood.

Advancing Startups and Green Technology

A cornerstone of the visit was Jaishankar’s meeting with the EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. The discussions centered on creating robust innovation ecosystems and facilitating research opportunities in clean and green energy technologies.

The two sides explored paths to integrate India more closely with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. Commissioner Zaharieva highlighted the potential of this collaboration, stating, "When Europe and India innovate together, we don’t just develop new technologies — we shape the future".

Strengthening Connectivity and Maritime Security

In separate deliberations, Jaishankar met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, to address infrastructure and connectivity. The dialogue included progress on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), trilateral partnerships, and the promotion of sustainable, green shipping practices.

Maritime security remained a primary focus throughout the visit. In his meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar reviewed the security situation in West Asia and underscored the necessity of safeguarding unimpeded maritime commerce. Kallas reaffirmed the EU's commitment to protecting open supply chains, suggesting deeper cooperation between the Indian Navy and EU maritime operations, such as ATALANTA and ASPIDES, to uphold stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Building on Historic Ties

The Brussels visit serves as a follow-up to the landmark India-EU Summit held in New Delhi earlier this year, which saw the adoption of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a new Security and Defence Partnership. EAM Jaishankar also called on European Council President Antonio Costa to review the progress made since that summit, acknowledging the significant growth in trade and technology cooperation.

"Joined my colleagues to recognise the significant progress in our partnership since the landmark India-EU summit earlier this year," Jaishankar noted on social media following his discussion with President Costa.

Why It Matters

For businesses and investors, the strengthening of the India-EU TTC framework signals a push toward de-risked supply chains, enhanced semiconductor cooperation, and standardized green shipping protocols. For citizens, these strategic dialogues aim to facilitate greater mobility, digital transformation, and access to shared scientific innovation.

Key Facts at a Glance

Strategic Focus: Cooperation on startups, green energy, connectivity (IMEC), and maritime security.
Key Meeting: The 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) assembly.
Diplomatic Momentum: Builds upon the major India-EU summit held in January 2026.
Security Cooperation: Emphasis on protecting Indo-Pacific sea lanes and aligning EU-India naval operations.

FAQ

Q: What is the significance of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)?

A: The TTC serves as a high-level platform for New Delhi and Brussels to align strategies on critical technologies, economic security, and digital standards.

Q: What was the outcome of the startup-focused meeting?

A: Officials discussed India's potential association with "Horizon Europe" and shared goals to connect innovation hubs to foster research in clean energy.

Q: How are India and the EU addressing maritime security?

A: Both sides are discussing ways to protect freedom of navigation and exploring synergy between Indian naval assets and EU maritime operations like ATALANTA and ASPIDES.