External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has expressed strong confidence that the year 2026 will mark a significant upswing in India's relationship with Europe. He identified Luxembourg as a pivotal partner capable of providing crucial support to enhance New Delhi's engagement with the European Union.
A World Reassessing Partnerships
Speaking during an interaction with the Indian community in Luxembourg on January 7, Jaishankar highlighted the current global climate of volatility and unpredictability. He noted that every nation and region is actively reassessing its interests and strategic calculations. The minister pointed out a growing global sentiment moving beyond mere de-risking. Countries are now seeking to build closer friendships and deeper, more trustworthy partnerships, he explained.
"I think that common sense is today, bringing India and the European Union much closer," Jaishankar stated. He confidently predicted the forthcoming enhancement in bilateral relations, stating, "So I can fairly confidently predict that 2026 will see an upswing in ties with Europe." He assured that from the Indian side, there would be a substantially greater investment of time, energy, and attention directed towards Europe.
Luxembourg: A Strategic Bridge to the EU
Jaishankar, on a six-day visit to France and Luxembourg, emphasized the unique position of Luxembourg in advancing India's European agenda. He stated that as India works to ramp up its relationship with the EU, the support and influence Luxembourg wields in the collective decision-making processes in Brussels are "really quite significant." He revealed receiving "the fullest assurance" regarding the advanced stage of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EU.
The minister's day in Luxembourg was packed with high-level engagements. He met Prime Minister Luc Frieden, held detailed discussions with Foreign Minister Javier Bethel, and called on Guillaume V, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Reflecting on the meetings, Jaishankar described it as a "very, very productive and a very satisfying day." He also noted that in all his official meetings, he heard "very strong and very effusive words of praise for the Indian community" residing in the country.
Beyond Tariffs: Navigating Trade Complexities
Addressing questions about the FTA, particularly concerning agricultural produce, Jaishankar elaborated on the challenges beyond simple tariffs. He explained that trade deals often involve complicated standards and regulations, citing the example of debates around residues in products like rice. "Sometimes, tariff is a barrier, but these rules and regulations are another wall which you have to overcome," he said, acknowledging that such complexities are why negotiations take considerable time.
He underscored India's renewed commitment to global trade, noting that despite tariff volatilities, Indian exports have performed better than expected. Highlighting India's proactive approach, he mentioned the recent finalization of trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand. "Every bit adds something, some set of exporters get new opportunities with every new trade agreement," he affirmed.
Diaspora's Role and Digital Leap
Jaishankar extensively praised the Indian diaspora in Luxembourg, urging them to build on their excellent reputation to further support the bilateral relationship. He invited their advice, fostering a collaborative spirit. The discussions with Luxembourg officials also delved into India's technological advancements. There was notable interest in India's digital infrastructure and the booming space industry, with Luxembourg—a country with longstanding satellite capabilities—closely tracking India's progress in this domain.
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar summarized his engagement, stating he had underlined the "significant deepening of our partnership with Luxembourg across political, business and technology domains." He expressed appreciation for the diaspora's role in strengthening this vital connection, marking a successful close to his first official visit to the Grand Duchy.
