Jaishankar holds wide-ranging discussions with Belgium counterpart

<p> Brussels, Jun 9 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held wide-ranging discussions with his Belgium counterpart Maxime Prevot on deepening bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investment, technology, defence and security, clean energy and mobility.</p><p> Jaishankar, who is travelling to Europe a month after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, welcomed Belgium’s support and solidarity in combatting terrorism.</p><p> In a post on X, Jaishankar said he was pleased to meet Prevot, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, at the start of his visit to Belgium.</p><p> “Welcomed Belgium’s support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. Appreciated the strong momentum of our bilateral engagement and the India-EU partnership,” he said.</p><p> “Also held wide-ranging discussions on deepening our cooperation including in trade, investment, technology, defence & security, pharmaceuticals, clean energy and mobility,” the minister added.</p><p> India and Belgium share warm and friendly relations along with a very robust economic partnership.</p><p> “Today, the collaboration between the two countries spans various domains like trade and investment, green energy, technology, pharmaceutical, diamond sector and strong people-to-people ties,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said earlier.</p><p> Jaishankar also interacted with the Indian community of Belgium and Luxembourg and apprised them of New Delhi’s efforts at countering terrorism.</p><p> “Great to interact with members of Indian community of Belgium and Luxembourg. Discussed with them the steady progress of India-Belgium ties and engagement with the EU. Also apprised them of our efforts at countering terrorism and ensuring progress & prosperity of India,” Jaishankar posted on X.</p><p> During his week-long visit to Europe, Jaishankar will also hold talks with leaders of the European Union and France to boost bilateral ties and reaffirm India’s policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism.</p><p> During his stay in Brussels, Jaishankar will hold a strategic dialogue with the EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.</p><p> “India-European Union strategic partnership has strengthened over the years across diverse sectors and got a big boost with the first-ever visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year,” the MEA said.</p><p> The minister will engage with the senior leadership from the European Commission and the European Parliament, besides interacting with think-tank and media.</p><p> In France, Jaishankar would hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Jean Noel Barrot.</p><p> He would also participate in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue to be held in the city of Marseille. PTI ZH GSP GSP</p><p><i>(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)</i></p>