On Friday 22 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, met the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, in New Delhi. According to EAM’s Twitter update, the two officials exchanged views on Afghanistan and climate change-related changes. Jaishankar and Timmermans also had a “good discussion” on the expansion of the India-EU partnership as well as on trade and investment, connectivity and the Indo-Pacific.

EAM said meeting Timmermans is always a “pleasure”. Timmermans, in a separate tweet, thanked India for “a warm welcome and a good visit”, adding that he looked forward to further strengthening cooperation in several areas for a “sustainable” future for all.

Ahead of the Timmermans-Jaishankar meeting, the third review of the India-EU strategic partnership took place in Brussels on October 19, where the two sides exchanged views on the best ways to join forces to fight the pandemic of COVID-19, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. declaration. EAM’s official statement added: “Following the India-EU Leaders Meeting on 8 May 2021, which paved the way for deepening India-EU ties, the meeting enabled a comprehensive review of the India-EU strategic partnership, guided by the India-EU strategic partnership: a roadmap to 2025. ”

The ministry said: “Discussions focused on cooperation to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and contribute to the success of the next COP26 on climate.

India and the EU also discussed the next steps to materialize the decision of Indian and EU leaders to resume negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement and to launch negotiations on an agreement. autonomous investment protection agreement and a separate agreement on geographical indications, ”he added.

Jaishankar receives UK CDC, WTO Director General

Besides Timmermans, EAM also held meetings with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday, October 22, as the two leaders discussed the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. They also discussed how to ensure the success of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). EAM also received UK CDS General Nicholas Carter and met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He also hosted British Foreign Minister Liz Truss in New Delhi and completed a comprehensive review of bilateral relations.

(IMAGE: @DrSJaishankar_Twitter)