Brussels: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke at the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum 2025 on Wednesday, emphasizing the significance of India's ties with the European Union.
Jaishankar said that India places a high value on its links with the European Union, emphasizing Europe's increased importance in the previous decade.
Jaishankar was upbeat about the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting that talks have been positive and that the deal is on track to be finalized by the end of the year.
Jaishankar stated, "We are truly looking to deepen our relations, and the centerpiece is the FTA. "
He described his encounters as quite productive, stating that mobility, talent transfers, and education were among the topics discussed.
Regarding the timeline for completing the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU, EAM Jaishankar stated that since the visit of the College of Commissioners in February, a great deal has been accomplished, and everything I heard on this trip gives me the confidence that it is within sight to complete this by the end of this year.
Jaishankar also addressed trade issues between the EU and the United States, stating that India cherishes its ties with both partners and will engage with each on mutually beneficial terms.
He recognized that Europe has different perspectives on certain issues, which do not always coincide with those of the United States.
Jaishankar stated, "We see today that Europe has a distinct perspective on many issues, which are not necessarily the ones shared in the United States," adding that "that is a reality. " We value our ties with the United States, just as we do with the European Union, and we will interact with each one in a way that benefits both of us.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine issue, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's stance that conflicts between nations cannot be resolved by force and that talks are the best way forward.
He remarked that, while this stance may not have been widely recognized at first, the world is now coming to terms with it.
We have always believed that, while two nations may have disagreements, they should not be resolved through war. Two, you cannot find solutions on the battlefield if the war has already started... the solution is to negotiate. It makes more sense to negotiate directly than through complicated signalling. So that's been our standpoint. He remarked that while this stance was not generally accepted in 2022, the world is now coming to grips with it.
Jaishankar is in Brussels, where he has had numerous meetings with high-ranking European Union officials. Discussions have resulted in favorable advancements on multiple fronts of the India-EU relationship.
