NEW DELHI: India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to convene their first ministerial-level Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue, a move viewed as a preparatory step for the India-EU Summit scheduled for next year.
The decision was made during a phone conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s newly appointed High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s Prime Minister, assumed her role on December 1, succeeding Josep Borrell of Spain.
“Delighted to speak with @kajakallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of @EU_Commission. Discussed developments in Europe, West Asia, and Indo-Pacific. Look forward to an early meeting,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.
In a separate post, Kallas highlighted her discussion with Jaishankar, emphasizing the interconnected nature of global security challenges. “We will focus together to make progress on security, trade, digital, and green transition. We agreed to hold the first ministerial Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue soon,” she said.
This marks the first direct interaction between Jaishankar and Kallas since her appointment as the EU’s foreign policy chief. Jaishankar had previously extended his congratulations to Kallas on her new role.
EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin also expressed optimism, stating on X that both sides are “committed to advancing cooperation” on a broad spectrum of foreign policy and security matters of shared interest.
The Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue will serve as a precursor to the 2025 India-EU Summit. According to sources, it is among several initiatives being developed to ensure substantive outcomes and a robust list of deliverables for the summit.
The dialogue is expected to cover a wide array of topics, including India’s emphasis on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening supply chain resilience, and addressing Europe’s concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Discussions are also likely to touch on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and other security collaborations.
Currently, foreign policy discussions between India and the EU are conducted at the level of senior diplomats. The new ministerial dialogue reflects a significant elevation in the strategic partnership between the two sides.
