Jaishankar: India, Europe can bring more stability to international economy and global politics

New Delhi: India is strengthening its relationship with Europe and both sides can bring more stability to the international economy and global politics, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said after holding talks with French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on Wednesday.

Jaishankar also attended the first India-Weimer format meeting in Paris earlier in the day along with Barrot, Poland's deputy PM Radoslaw Sikorski and German foreign minister Johann Wadephul. "Our discussions were largely centred on three issues - India-European Union relations, Indo-Pacific and Ukraine conflict."

At a media briefing in Paris, when asked why he was in Europe, he said, "I think it was a very conscious choice. It was a choice which reflected our belief that this relationship with Europe is really poised to grow, grow to the next level."


The comments also carry significance amid India's difficult ties with US President Donald Trump after he imposed a 50% tariff on India last year. "When I look back, even in the last few weeks, we have had discussions within India on matters dealing with Europe, FTA (free trade agreement), technology issues, semiconductors, railways, defence, aviation. So there is really a very substantive relationship, much more that can be done...."