Brussels, July 15: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held significant discussions in Brussels on Wednesday with EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. The meeting focused on opportunities in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startups, and connections to the ‘Horizon Europe’ initiative.
Present at the meeting were India’s Ambassador to Belgium and the EU, Pranay Verma, along with other officials.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar took to the social media platform ‘X’ to express, “Today, I had a productive meeting with EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva. We discussed research in clean and green energy technologies, innovation hubs, startups, and opportunities to connect with Horizon Europe.”
Zaharieva also shared insights about the meeting on ‘X’, stating, “It was an honor to welcome Dr. S. Jaishankar and Professor Sood in Brussels. When Europe and India innovate together, we not only develop new technologies but also shape the future.”
She added, “By bringing India closer to Horizon Europe and connecting nearly 500,000 startups, we are creating a partnership that will help achieve shared goals with a global impact.”
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met with EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela. They discussed connectivity, trilateral partnerships, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and green shipping initiatives.
Jaishankar remarked on ‘X’, “I was pleased to meet EU International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela this morning. We discussed advancing cooperation in connectivity, trilateral partnerships, IMEC, and green shipping.”
He also met with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s best wishes. Jaishankar appreciated Costa’s guidance and positive outlook on enhancing trade and technical cooperation between India and the EU.
After the meeting with Costa, Jaishankar noted on ‘X’, “It was a pleasure to meet with President Antonio Costa of the European Council. Accompanying me were Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitendra Prasad, and Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Ajay K. Sood. I conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s best wishes.”
He further acknowledged the significant progress made in the partnership since the historic summit earlier this year between India and the EU, recognizing collective efforts to advance cooperation in trade and technology.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar also engaged in extensive discussions with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas on several important issues.
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