External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of State for Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar met EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, during which talks were held on trade, technology and geopolitics.
In tweets, the EAM said:
“Thank President of @EU_Commission @vonderleyen for meeting the Indian ministerial team.
“Appreciate the open discussion on trade, technology and geopolitics.
“Look forward to the India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting tomorrow.”
On their meeting with the Belgium PM Alexander De Croo, he said that they discussed the growing bilateral cooperation, including in trade and technology.
“Delighted to call on PM of Belgium @alexanderdecroo along with my colleagues – @PiyushGoyal & @rajeev_GOI today. Conveyed personal greetings of PM @narendramodi.
“Discussed our growing bilateral cooperation, including in trade and technology. Also spoke about contemporary strategic concerns.”
The Belgium PM, in a tweet on the meeting said they held productive discussions on ways to enhance the partnership between Belgium, the EU, and India.
“Had a productive meeting with @DrSJaishankar, @PiyushGoyal and
@Rajeev_GoI, discussing ways to enhance the partnership between Belgium, the EU, and India.
“Focused on strengthening ties in key areas like renewable energy and technology, aiming for shared progress and prosperity.”
The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a tweet said she held an excellent meeting with the Indian ministerial team for the first EU-India Trade and Tech Council. She also said the EU is committed to negotiating an ambitious free trade agreement with India.
“Excellent meeting with @DrSJaishankar @PiyushGoyal @Rajeev_GoI for the first EU-India Trade & Tech Council.
“As strategic partners we will work to upgrade our relations on digital, clean tech and trade.
“The EU is committed to negotiating an ambitious free trade agreement with India.”
Piyush Goyal, in a tweet said: “A new chapter in the India-EU partnership. #TTC
“It was a pleasure to meet the President of the European Commission @VonderLeyen.
“Delighted to call on the Prime Minister of Belgium H.E. @AlexanderDeCroo with my colleagues @DrSJaishankar ji &
@Rajeev_GoI ji.
“Had an excellent discussion on deepening our bilateral cooperation and giving further impetus to the growing India-EU partnership.
EAM is visiting Brussels, from May 15-16, for bilateral engagements with Belgian and EU officials.
He is attending the first Ministerial Meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council along with Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
The TTC Ministerial Meeting is scheduled to be held on May 16.