What to Expect from EAM Jaishankar's Upcoming Visit to Belgium?

EAM Jaishankar's Diplomatic Mission to Belgium

New Delhi: On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will set off for Belgium to participate in the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council and engage in bilateral discussions with EU officials and Belgian leaders, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

His stay in Brussels is scheduled until March 16, following an invitation from EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.

This visit comes shortly after the 16th India-EU Summit, with the MEA indicating that the purpose is to enhance the Strategic Partnership, building on recent dialogues.

During his time in Belgium, Jaishankar will meet with EU leadership and counterparts from Belgium and other EU member nations.

The relationship between India and the EU has reached unprecedented heights in 2026, transitioning from a long-term strategic partnership to a robust economic and geopolitical alliance. Both parties are working to strengthen their collaboration in areas such as trade, security, technology, sustainability, and global challenges.

India's trade discussions with the EU have led to a significant Free Trade Agreement (FTA), often referred to as the 'mother of all deals' due to its extensive scope, establishing a preferential trade zone that encompasses nearly 2 billion individuals and accounts for about a quarter of the global GDP.

Originally initiated in 2007, the negotiations for the India-EU FTA faced a suspension in 2013 but were revived in 2022 and gained momentum in late 2025, culminating successfully in the final rounds.

The negotiations concluded on January 27 during the 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other leaders celebrated it as a historic achievement.