Jaishankar says stronger ties between India and the EU can reduce risks to the global economy. Summit focused on trade, security and supply chain resilience.
The foreign minister made the remarks during an interaction with envoys of European countries.
“He spoke to them about the current state of the world, with volatility and instability the new normal,” he said on social media.
Jaishankar said a stronger India-EU relationship can stabilize the global order through a stronger trade, mobility and security partnership. He also stressed the need for cooperation between the two sides to ensure resilient supply chains.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a state visit to India from January 25-27.
The two European leaders will be the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Costa and von der Leyen will hold a summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27.
“I look forward to the visit of @eucopresident Antonio Costa and European Commission President @vonderleyen to India for the Republic Day celebrations,” Jaishankar said.
The two sides are expected to announce at the summit the conclusion of negotiations on the long-awaited free trade agreement.
The European Union is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching $135 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. The free trade agreement is expected to significantly strengthen trade ties.
The proposed agreement is expected to bring qualitative change by deepening overall bilateral relations across a range of sectors, at a time when the world is witnessing trade disruptions due to Washington’s tariff policies.
In addition to strengthening the free trade agreement, the two sides are expected to unveil a defense framework agreement and strategic agenda at the summit.
India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004.
EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin described the interaction with Jaishankar as “excellent”.
“Excellent exchange with EAM @DrSJaishankar with EU/27 team ambassadors, reflecting the strong convergence of interests and strategic value of our growing EU/bilateral partnerships with India: the benefits are mutual and global. All eyes are on next week’s EU-India summit and its outcomes,” he said on X.
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