Jaishankar, EU Parliament chief discuss stronger ties

Brussels

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday to talk about deepening the strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The meeting focused on building stronger ties in trade, security, and technology.

Jaishankar is visiting Europe to improve bilateral relations and repeat India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. He said they had a warm conversation in Brussels and discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation based on shared values like democracy and pluralism.

President Metsola welcomed Jaishankar to the European Parliament. She said that with talks on a free trade deal moving forward, the EU looks forward to turning promises into real steps and boosting the strategic relationship between India and Europe.

Jaishankar also met with other top members of the European Parliament, including Angelika Niebler, Urmas Paet, Pilar del Castillo, Vladimir Prebilič, and Winkler Gyula. He thanked them for supporting closer India-EU ties and understanding India’s right to protect itself against terrorism.

He said they exchanged views on global and regional matters, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tough times.

Jaishankar also met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and thanked her for firmly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. That attack killed 26 people. India responded with precision airstrikes on May 7, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack, was also part of this visit’s background. Jaishankar’s meetings show India’s focus on working with international allies to fight terrorism and build strong global partnerships.