India, EU Discuss West Asia Crisis, Energy Security In Brussels Talks

New Delhi, Mar 18 (KNN) The escalating situation in West Asia and its impact on global energy security figured prominently during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s discussions with foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) in Brussels.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address the crisis, which has led to volatility in global energy markets, reported PTI.
 
Oil and gas prices have surged following disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route handling a significant share of global oil and LNG supplies. The development is of particular concern for India, which relies heavily on West Asia for energy imports.
 
Jaishankar participated in the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting at the invitation of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, marking the first high-level engagement since India and the EU concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year.
 
During the visit, he also met Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and held bilateral discussions with counterparts from countries including Germany and Belgium.
 
The minister highlighted the momentum in India-EU ties following the recent summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for accelerated implementation of the FTA and deeper cooperation in defence manufacturing and maritime security.
 
He also stressed the need to make the India-EU Trade and Technology Council more outcome-oriented, while urging greater synergy between India’s engagement with the EU and its member states.
 
The discussions covered a range of global issues, including the situation in West Asia, the conflict in Ukraine, and developments in the Indo-Pacific region, with both sides noting growing convergence on maintaining a stable international order.
 
In a bilateral meeting with Kallas, both sides reiterated their commitment to elevate India-EU relations to a higher strategic level and enhance regular consultations on key global and regional issues.
 
The MEA said India-EU ties are entering a phase of renewed strategic momentum, with increased focus on implementing the ‘Towards 2030: A Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda’.
 
(KNN Bureau)