Brussels (Belgium), June 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, speaking at the German Marshall Fund Brussels Forum 2025, emphasized the high priority India places on its relationship with the European Union and expressed optimism about concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of the year.
“We are really looking to deepening our ties, the centrepiece is the FTA,” Jaishankar said, highlighting growing interest in Europe over the past decade and the constructive nature of current discussions. He noted that his recent meetings in Brussels had been very positive, with key conversations centered around mobility, talent flows, and education.
Referring to the timeline for the FTA, Jaishankar cited encouraging momentum following the College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February. “A lot has been done and everything that I heard on this trip gives me the confidence that it’s within sight that by the end of this year it is feasible to do this,” he added.
Addressing global trade dynamics, Jaishankar acknowledged the trade tensions between the EU and the United States, stressing that India values its relations with both and engages with each partner on mutually beneficial terms. “We see today that Europe has a distinct position on many issues, those are not necessarily the positions shared today in the United States. We value our relations with the US as we do with the EU. We will deal with each one on terms which are best for both of us,” he said.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent position that war is not a solution for resolving disputes. “We have felt from the start, even if two countries have differences, it cannot be settled by the cause of war. Two, if the war has started, you cannot get solutions on the battlefield… the answer then is to negotiate,” he stated.
He added that while India’s stance may not have gained traction in 2022, global sentiment is gradually shifting in its favor. “It makes sense to negotiate directly than through convoluted signalling. So that’s been our position,” he explained.
Jaishankar’s ongoing visit to Brussels has included several high-level meetings with senior EU officials, with discussions reflecting significant progress across multiple dimensions of the India-EU partnership. (ANI)
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