External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 met European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, reaffirming India's commitment to deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership across trade, technology, and security. The meeting forms part of Jaishankar's official visit to Belgium from 14–15 July 2026, centred on the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting.

Key Meetings and What Was Discussed

Jaishankar called on President Costa alongside Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood. He conveyed the warm wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledged the significant progress in the bilateral partnership since the landmark India-EU Summit held earlier this year.

'Joined my colleagues to recognise the significant progress in our partnership since the landmark India-EU summit earlier this year. Value his guidance and warm sentiments for advancing our trade and technology cooperation,' Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas

Earlier in the visit, Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The two sides exchanged views on developments in West Asia, the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce, and supply chain resilience.

'Had useful discussions on West Asia and the need to ensure peace and stability. Exchanged views on the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Also spoke about advancing the India-EU Strategic Partnership to ensure supply chain resilience,' Jaishankar noted.

Kallas, in turn, described 2026 as a 'historic year' for India-EU relations. 'Our cooperation is deepening across trade, technology, security and defence,' she said, calling for stronger collaboration between EU naval operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES and the Indian Navy to uphold security in the Indo-Pacific.

Focus Areas of the 3rd India-EU TTC

The 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting — the primary purpose of the Brussels visit — brought together senior ministers and officials from both sides to advance cooperation in critical technologies, digital transformation, clean energy, resilient supply chains, and economic security. This is the highest-level structured dialogue mechanism between India and the EU on trade and technology.

Strategic Significance

The Brussels engagements reflect the growing momentum in India-EU ties at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Both sides share concerns over maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, disruptions to global supply chains, and the need to diversify critical technology dependencies. Notably, the visit builds on the landmark India-EU Summit held earlier in 2026, which itself marked a significant upgrade in the bilateral relationship. The Brussels leg is part of Jaishankar's broader multi-nation diplomatic tour, signalling New Delhi's active engagement with European partners.

Further outcomes from the TTC meeting are expected to be formalised in the coming weeks, with both sides likely to announce specific cooperation roadmaps in technology and clean energy.