External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Sunday met Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on the sidelines of the Sir Bani Yas Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, underscoring India’s continued engagement with European partners amid evolving global and regional dynamics.

Following the meeting, EAM Jaishankar shared details on X, stating, “Good to meet DPM & FM Maxime Prevot of Belgium on the sidelines of Sir Bani Yas Forum 2025.” The interaction reflected India’s emphasis on strengthening diplomatic dialogue with European Union member states across political, economic, and strategic domains.

The meeting with the Belgian leader was part of a series of high-level bilateral engagements held by the External Affairs Minister during the forum. Earlier, Jaishankar met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, and Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braze. Posting on X, he described the interactions as productive exchanges with European colleagues on shared priorities and global challenges.

EAM Jaishankar also held talks with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, noting it was “nice to catch up” on the margins of the forum. These discussions focused on regional developments, international issues, and avenues for closer cooperation.

On Saturday, the Indian minister met UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, further highlighting India’s active diplomatic outreach during the Sir Bani Yas Forum, a key platform for dialogue on geopolitics, security, and economic cooperation.

Jaishankar is visiting the United Arab Emirates to attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum, being held in Abu Dhabi from December 12 to 14. This marks his second visit to the UAE in 2025, underlining the growing strategic importance of India-UAE relations.

Earlier this year, during his January visit to the UAE, EAM Jaishankar called on President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where discussions focused on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE, as well as regional and global developments of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

He also met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, recalling the Crown Prince’s landmark visit to India in September 2024 and exploring future avenues of cooperation. Additionally, Jaishankar held meetings with Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and conducted bilateral talks with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.