External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Cypriot counterpart, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, in Brussels on Sunday to further consolidate the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

This meeting—the first between the two since Minister Kombos assumed office—took place ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, where Minister Jaishankar is engaging with counterparts from all 27 EU member states.

In a statement shared on X, Minister Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for Cyprus's proactive role, noting, "Pleasure to meet FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus in Brussels. Discussed ways to further strengthen our strategic partnership and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. Holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, appreciate Cyprus' support in advancing European Union-India engagement."

The discussion highlighted the intensifying cooperation between New Delhi and Nicosia, particularly in light of the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Foreign Minister Kombos emphasized the significance of this diplomatic trajectory, stating, "Insightful exchange focusing on further steps of the Cyprus-India strategic partnership, in view also of the upcoming visit of President Christodoulides to India."

Beyond trade and economic integration, the two leaders addressed pressing regional security concerns.

Reflecting on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Minister Kombos remarked, "The profoundly concerning developments in the Middle East. Underlined that diplomacy and dialogue is the only sustainable paths to de-escalation and stability."

Minister Jaishankar is currently on an official visit to Brussels from March 15–16, following an invitation from EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas.

The visit, which follows the landmark 16th India-EU Summit, serves as a pivotal moment to deepen institutional ties, align priorities on critical technologies and connectivity, and reinforce the strategic alliance between India and the European Union.

Throughout his stay, the Minister is scheduled to hold extensive consultations with EU leadership and various member-state counterparts to build on the momentum of recent economic and security frameworks.

Source: ANI