External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defence, in New Delhi on Thursday, 12 November 2026, with both sides discussing pathways to deepen India-EU bilateral cooperation across security, economic, technological, and people-to-people domains. The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on the Ukraine conflict and other pressing regional and global developments.

What Was Discussed

Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: 'Glad to meet Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defence. A good discussion on our security, economic, technological & people-to-people cooperation, and next steps. Also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and other regional & global issues.'

The meeting underscores a steady cadence of high-level India-EU diplomatic engagements, particularly as Europe seeks to consolidate partnerships with democratic nations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Jaishankar's Recent EU Engagements

Last month, Jaishankar met EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Atlanta, where the two discussed ongoing global conflicts, including the Ukraine war and the Gulf situation. That encounter followed a phone call on 25 October to coordinate diplomatic positions on the same set of issues.

At the G20 session, Kallas drew attention to the cascading consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict, warning that 'Russia's war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East pose major threats to energy and food supplies, trade and freedom of navigation. Maritime routes are global lifelines.' She also called for a Black Sea freedom of navigation arrangement and reaffirmed EU opposition to tolls and fees on international shipping routes.

India's Stance on Global Conflicts

Speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, Jaishankar reiterated India's longstanding position that military solutions cannot resolve global challenges and that diplomacy must be prioritised. He issued a pointed warning that the Global South is disproportionately bearing the costs of attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, which is jeopardising the availability and cost of fuel, food, and fertilisers.

'There is an urgent need to preserve the freedom of navigation and ensure cessation of attacks within the framework of international law, especially UNCLOS,' Jaishankar said.

Significance for India-EU Relations

The series of engagements reflects a deepening of the India-EU strategic partnership, which has gained momentum since the two sides launched Trade and Technology Council talks. India's consistent messaging — that diplomacy must prevail and that the Global South cannot be collateral damage in great-power conflicts — aligns with its broader foreign policy posture of strategic autonomy. Notably, India has maintained dialogue with both Western partners and Russia, a balancing act that Brussels has watched closely.

The next steps on bilateral cooperation, including on defence technology and supply chain resilience, are expected to be elaborated in follow-up exchanges between the two sides.