Jaishankar's Visit To Europe : Why You Should Know More About This Remarkable Diplomatic Tour

External Affairs Minister Jaishanker embarked on a week-long diplomatic itinerary to Europe on Sunday to engage in multilateral conversations with the leaders of France, Belgium and the European Union to strengthen bilateral ties and to reiterate India’s zero-tolerance policy for terrorism. (Business Standard) It is noteworthy that Jaishankar’s visit takes place a month after India launched operation Sindoor as a retaliatory measure against Pakistan’s dastardly terror attack in the Baisaran valley of Pahalgam. It is expected that he would keep the European leaders abreast of all the developments that had taken place since the Operation was called off and re-affirm New Delhi’s firm approach in tackling cross-border terrorism. In the inaugural leg of his tour, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to France, a nation which has become an all-weather ally of New Delhi.(Economic Times)

"The external affairs minister will go to Paris and Marseille where he would be having bilateral talks with his European counterpart Jean Noel Barrot," said the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mediterranean 'Raisina Dialogue'

Jaishankar will also attend the first iteration of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue to be conducted in Marseille. Jaishankar will conduct a strategic meeting with EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas in Brussels. (News on AIR) "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 stated.

"India and Belgium have a close, cordial relationship as well as a strong economic cooperation.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 MEA further said.(Hindustan Times)

Connecting with your roots

Jaishankar would have bilateral meetings with Maxime Prevot, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium, and would also meet the senior leadership of the nation. Moreover, he will also get to know the members of the Indian diaspora.

Why this visit is a red letter one ?

With its defence and space cooperation, France and Belgium with their economic and technical engagement are still core to India's Europe First diplomatic adjustment. Furthermore emphasized India's unrelenting dedication to counterterrorism, the trip occurs just after Operation Sindoor, started in reaction to the horrific terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley. Jaishankar is expected to confirm India's zero tolerance position and look for more synergy with European countries on security collaboration. 

Furthermore, his presence at the first Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue reflects India's desire to engage in transregional conversations. His talks with EUs High Representative Kaja Kallas comes at a moment when India-EU strategic cooperation, notably in commerce, technology, and green energy, is again gathering steam. This trip not only strengthens diplomatic relations but also confirms India's position as a major geopolitical player worldwide.