India’s Foreign Minister to Visit France and Belgium for Strategic Talks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to travel to France and Belgium from June 8 to 14. The visit is designed to fortify bilateral relations and highlight India’s commitment to combating terrorism. Jaishankar’s itinerary includes meetings with French and Belgian counterparts, along with the first ministerial strategic dialogue with EU Foreign and Security Policy Chief Kaja Kallas. In France, he will meet with Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot and participate in the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue. Discussions will likely address India’s counter-terrorism efforts, including actions taken in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. A key aspect of the visit is strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the EU, with the goal of finalizing a free trade agreement. In Belgium, Jaishankar will meet with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot to discuss the existing economic partnership between the two nations, encompassing trade, investment, and collaboration in sectors such as green energy and pharmaceuticals.