EAM Jaishankar Welcomes EU’s Strong Condemnation Of Pahalgam Terror Attack

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Tuesday. He appreciated her strong condemnation of the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

S Jaishankar also thanked her for the EU’s solidarity with India in fighting terrorism. Both leaders agreed to strengthen the India-EU partnership through enhanced trade, technology, connectivity, and security ties.

Taking to X, Jaishankar posted, “Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen this morning. Welcomed her strong condemnation of terrorist attack in Pahalgam and solidarity in combatting terrorism. Discussed efforts underway to deepen the India – EU partnership. Agreed on the potential benefits of stronger cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and security for both our regions.”

Von der Leyen also welcomed Jaishankar warmly. She called the EU-India strategic partnership stronger than ever.

“Welcome to my friend @DrSJaishankar. The EU-India strategic partnership is getting stronger. We’re working on a Strategic Agenda based on growth with an ambitious FTA, tech & innovation and security & defence. I look forward to adopting it with @narendramodi at our next Summit,” she posted on X.

Official visit aims to deepen India-EU ties

Jaishankar is on an official visit to France, the EU, and Belgium from 8 to 14 June. The visit aims to strengthen India’s ties and give momentum to cooperation in diverse sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the India-EU partnership has grown steadily. It received a boost from the visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year.

“During the visit, EAM will hold a Strategic Dialogue with EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas,” said the MEA. “He will engage with the senior leadership of the European Commission and European Parliament, and also interact with think tanks and media.”

Pahalgam attack, trade talks dominate discussions

Last week, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also spoke on India-EU ties. At the Italy-India Business Forum, he reiterated India’s commitment to speed up the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Earlier, the EU and its 27 member states had strongly condemned the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack. They backed India’s response and called terrorism unjustifiable.

The EU also said those responsible must be brought to justice.

In February, von der Leyen visited India with the entire European Commission. It was the first such visit. It helped reinforce the India-EU strategic partnership.

During the visit, PM Modi and von der Leyen agreed to conclude the India-EU FTA by year-end. They praised the results of the 20-year India-EU Strategic Partnership and 30 years of India-EC cooperation.

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