Jaishankar to kick off Europe tour Monday; Netherlands, Denmark, Germany on agenda

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin a six-day trip to Europe on Monday, May 19. He will visit the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The trip will last until May 24. During his visit, Jaishankar will meet with the top leadership of each country and hold discussions with his counterparts on various aspects of bilateral relations, as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest.

This visit is part of India’s ongoing efforts to deepen its strategic engagement with key European partners. Discussions are expected to cover topics such as trade, technology, renewable energy, innovation, and people-to-people ties.

The trip comes shortly after India achieved a significant milestone by concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, which eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian products entering the UK market. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the FTA as a “historic milestone” for both countries.

Last month, Jaishankar expressed that India was “geared up for a high degree of urgency” in trade negotiations with several countries, including the European Union, amid US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Earlier this month, Jaishankar made remarks criticizing some European countries, stating that India seeks partners rather than “preachers” who do not adhere to the same principles they advocate abroad.

Speaking at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, he said, “When we look at the world, we look for partners, not preachers. Particularly, preachers who do not practice at home what they preach abroad. Some of Europe is still struggling with that problem.”

He further noted that Europe is undergoing a reality check as it begins to recognize the realities of multipolarity. “I think it has still not fully adjusted to and absorbed this change. The US has dramatically altered its position,” he stated.