External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that among India’s major international relationships, ties with Europe have the “most room to grow today.” He made these remarks while attending the first-ever India–Weimar format meeting held in Paris. The meeting brought together senior leaders from India and Europe, underscoring the increasing importance of cooperation between the two regions.

The meeting was attended by Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Speaking about the significance of the meeting, Jaishankar said it was the first time India had engaged with European partners in this particular format.

“At the meeting, Jaishankar said that this is the first time that India is engaging in this format. ‘Our discussions were largely centred on three issues — India-European Union relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict,’ he said.”

Setting the background for the discussions, Jaishankar spoke about the changing global situation and the challenges being faced in different regions. He said, “We have been witnessing for quite some years now that churn in the Indo-Pacific. Europe is going through its own challenging circumstances, many of which have strategic implications. But beyond that, there have also been overarching developments that could redefine the global order itself.”

He underlined the importance of regular dialogue between India and Europe despite geographical distance. “We may be located in different parts of the world, but despite that, perhaps even because of that, it is extremely useful for us to exchange views regularly and to share assessments,” he said.

Jaishankar explained that India’s engagement with Europe is not limited to one platform but is reflected at multiple levels. “It is reflected in a collective endeavour with Brussels, but it is also sustained by individual European Union member states,” he said. He added that as cooperation grows, smaller group interactions naturally emerge to support broader engagement.

“As these conversations advance and cooperation deepens, it is natural that we have smaller group interactions that support this larger direction, and I think that is what we seek today,” he said.

Emphasising the future potential of India-Europe ties, Jaishankar stated, “Among India’s major relationships, I believe that the one with the European Union and Europe — and obviously with its member states — has the most room to grow today. We have tremendous unrealised potential and many new areas to explore.”

He expressed confidence that the current engagement would help strengthen ties further. “It is appropriate that this format, which has brought us together, has three very important European partners. My discussions today leave me confident that they will support that effort to take India-Europe ties to the next level,” he said.

During his visit, Jaishankar also held bilateral discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Speaking about India-France relations, he said, “France is amongst our oldest strategic partners, the first in Europe, and I believe that our continuous conversation is an important part of nurturing that relationship.”

He also reflected on the broader questions shaping global politics and India’s engagement with Europe. “What kind of world do we want to live in? What would be the norms and the other related issues? And because I think Europe is such an important player in global politics, it is also necessary that India strengthens its relationship (with it),” Jaishankar said.

Highlighting the importance of stability, he added, “I think we can bring more stability both into the international economy and global politics. And that really is why I am here.”

Jaishankar also spoke about upcoming high-level visits between India and Europe. “I should add, by the way, as soon as I get back, that we would be expecting to welcome Chancellor (Friedrich) Merz in India. And as I said, soon, President (Emmanuel) Macron will be there. A number of other European leaders are also slated to visit India very shortly,” he said.

The discussions with the French foreign minister mainly focused on preparations for President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India next month. Macron is expected to participate in the AI Summit during his visit, and both sides discussed setting the groundwork for this important engagement.

Jaishankar also referred to India and France’s roles in major global groupings this year. He said that India is chairing BRICS, while France is chairing the G7. He also mentioned that both countries are part of the G20 grouping, highlighting their shared presence in key international platforms.

Overall, the first India–Weimar format meeting marked an important step in India’s engagement with Europe. Through discussions on India-EU relations, the Indo-Pacific, and the Ukraine conflict, the meeting reflected a shared interest in closer cooperation and regular dialogue. Jaishankar’s remarks underlined India’s view that Europe remains a crucial partner with significant untapped potential, especially at a time when global politics and the international order are undergoing major changes.