In Brussels, Jaishankar discusses Iran with EU counterparts

On the second day of his Brussels go to, Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen and had discussions, together with concerning the scenario in West Asia and Ukraine. Mr. Jaishankar was invited to work together with Overseas Ministers from the 27-member bloc, throughout the EU Overseas Affairs Council assembly on Monday (March 16, 2026), as per an announcement from the Ministry of Exterior Affairs.

“We additionally mentioned developments within the Center East and in Ukraine. De-escalation, stability and power safety are our shared targets,” Ms. Von der Leyen stated in a publish on X, about her assembly with Mr. Jaishankar. The EU and India had been targeted on implementing the commerce deal signed in January in New Delhi, “as quickly as potential”, she stated.

Thanking the EU’s high diplomat Kaja Kallas for inviting him to the Overseas Affairs Council, Mr. Jaishankar stated, “Our dialog at present due to this fact lined commerce, funding, know-how, mobility and defence particularly.”

“The stronger convergence between India and the EU in a multipolar world can also be expressed in nearer consultations,” he added, saying West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo Pacific had been mentioned on the assembly. On Sunday (March 15, 2026), Mr. Jaishankar publicly thanked Armenia for the secure evacuation of 550 Indian nationals from Iran.

Forward of the assembly, Ms. Kallas had outlined numerous choices the EU was contemplating to open the Strait of Hormuz, an important physique of water via which 1 / 4 of the world’s oil passes. The Strait has successfully remained sealed off by Iran since Israel and the U.S. launched strikes in opposition to the nation on February 28.

Completely different relationship

Mr. Jaishankar had stated that India can be completely satisfied to share what New Delhi was doing with Tehran, with European international locations, though he acknowledged that each nation had a unique relationship with Iran. He had additionally stated there was no quid professional quo concerned with Iran allowing the passage of two Indian-flagged tankers carrying LPG crossing the Strait on Saturday, saying this was primarily based on a “historical past of dealing” with one another. Calling the battle “most unlucky”, Mr. Jaishankar known as for different international locations to interact with Tehran. The Minister had additionally emphasised that India didn’t have a “blanket association” with Tehran for secure passage of ships, however it was being organized on a case-by-case foundation and discussions had been ongoing.

Mr. Jaishankar met with Cyprus’s  Overseas Minister Constantinos Kombos on Sunday and mentioned methods to strengthen India’s strategic partnership with the nation. Additionally they exchanged views on West Asia; Cyprus presently holds the six-month rotating Presidency of the EU Council, a physique made up of the 27 member-states of the bloc.

Earlier, Mr. Jaishankar met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Overseas Minister Maxime Prevot. They agreed to determine India-Belgium strategic dialogue, in accordance with the Minister.