India, Belgium Agree To Start Strategic Dialogue After Jaishankar Meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in Brussels on Monday, and both leaders agreed to begin a Strategic Dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral engagement.

The discussion focused on expanding collaboration in important sectors, including trade, investment, semiconductors, healthcare, technology and innovation.

Jaishankar later shared details of the meeting on social media, noting, “Started Day 2 in Brussels, meeting with FM @prevotmaxime of Belgium. Discussed intensifying our cooperation in trade & investment, semiconductors, health, technology & innovation. Agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue.”

India–Belgium Diplomatic Ties

India and Belgium maintain strong diplomatic ties that were first established in September 1947, soon after India gained independence.

The two countries share a relationship grounded in common values such as respect for the rule of law, federal governance and pluralism. Belgium has also supported India’s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Jaishankar is currently visiting Belgium for two days at the invitation of Kaja Kallas, the High Representative and Vice President of the European Union.

During the visit, he is participating in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting with foreign ministers from the 27 member states of the European Union. The engagement aims to advance cooperation between India and the EU.

Earlier on Sunday, Jaishankar also met Constantinos Kombos in Brussels. The leaders reviewed their bilateral partnership and discussed developments in West Asia.

India also acknowledged Cyprus’s support in strengthening ties between India and the European Union, particularly as Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “During the visit, EAM will also hold meetings with the leadership of the European Union, and his counterparts from Belgium and other EU Member States. The visit of EAM coming soon after the historic 16th India-EU Summit is expected to further deepen India’s Strategic Partnership with the European Union.”

The recent 16th India–EU Summit laid the groundwork for this visit, which aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

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