S Jaishankar to visit EU, France, Belgium from May 8

He will visit the nations from June 8 to June 14.

India and France have completed 25 years of strategic partnership.

"Our relations with France are rooted in deep trust and commitment, and our two countries cooperate closely across all domains of strategic and contemporary relevance besides sharing similar outlook on many regional and global issues," read a statement issued by the Ministry of external Affairs.

During this visit, EAM Jasishankar would travel to Paris and Marseille where he would be holding bilateral discussions with his counterpart Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean Noel Barrot.

He will also engage with the senior leadership of France, and interact with think tanks and media.

Jaishankar would also participate in the inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue which is being held in the city of Marseille.

India - European Union strategic partnership has strengthened over the years across diverse sectors and got a big boost with the first-ever visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year.

During the visit, Jaishankar will be holding a Strategic Dialogue with the EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, and will engage with the senior leadership from the European Commission and the European Parliament, besides interacting with think tank and media.

As per MEA statement, India and Belgium share warm and friendly relations along with a very robust economic partnership.

"Today the collaboration between the two countries spans various domains like trade and investment, green energy, technology, pharmaceutical, diamond sector and strong people to people ties," the statement said.

During his visit to Belgium, EAM would hold bilateral consultations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium,  Maxime Prevot and would also meet the senior leadership of Belgium.

He will also interact with the members of the Indian community.

"The visit of EAM is expected to further deepen India’s friendly relations with the European Union, France and Belgium and give renewed momentum to ongoing cooperation in diverse areas," MEA said in a statement.