Brussels, July 15: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels with European Union leaders to strengthen cooperation in startups, clean energy, innovation, Horizon Europe, IMEC, green shipping, trade and technology, reinforcing the growing India-EU strategic partnership.
Key Highlights
- Jaishankar discussed startups, clean energy, research and Horizon Europe with EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva.
- India and the EU explored cooperation on IMEC, connectivity, trilateral partnerships and green shipping.
- The External Affairs Minister met European Council President Antonio Costa to review progress in India-EU relations.
- The meetings reinforce India-EU collaboration in trade, technology, innovation and strategic connectivity.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels with senior European Union leaders to deepen cooperation in startups, innovation, clean energy, connectivity, trade and technology. The discussions highlighted the expanding strategic partnership between India and the European Union, with a strong focus on research collaboration and future-oriented economic growth.
During his meeting with EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, Jaishankar discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startups and India’s association with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme. India’s Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, Pranay Verma, along with senior officials, also attended the meeting.
Sharing details on social media, Jaishankar described the interaction as productive and emphasised the importance of expanding research collaboration, innovation ecosystems and technology partnerships. Zaharieva said that closer cooperation between Europe and India would help shape the future of technology and innovation, adding that connecting nearly half a million startups and bringing India closer to Horizon Europe could create global impact.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela, where both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in connectivity, trilateral partnerships, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and green shipping. These initiatives are expected to enhance regional connectivity, sustainable trade and resilient supply chains between India and Europe.
The External Affairs Minister also met European Council President Antonio Costa, along with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood. Jaishankar conveyed the warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appreciated Costa’s support in advancing India-EU trade and technology cooperation following the landmark India-EU Summit held earlier this year.
The Brussels engagements come a day after Jaishankar’s discussions with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, reflecting the growing momentum in India-EU strategic, economic and technological cooperation. The meetings underline both sides’ commitment to strengthening partnerships in innovation, sustainability, research, digital transformation and global connectivity.
Jaishankar’s meetings in Brussels reaffirm India’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with the European Union through collaboration in innovation, startups, green technologies, connectivity, trade and strategic infrastructure, paving the way for deeper long-term cooperation.
