📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Chatham House
International
Shashi Tharoor Meets EU Envoy to Boost India‑EU Relations and Kerala Collaboration
✍️ Asianet Newsable
🗓 27 Aug 2026, 06:03 AM
👁 4
India’s External Affairs Minister Shashi Tharoor and the European Union’s envoy held talks aimed at deepening bilateral ties and exploring joint projects in Kerala.
New Delhi – External Affairs Minister Shashi Tharoor met the European Union’s appointed envoy on Wednesday to review the overall India‑EU partnership. Both officials highlighted the need for greater political dialogue, trade facilitation and investment flows between the two blocs.
The discussion also turned to the southern state of Kerala, where the EU sees potential for cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism and the diaspora‑linked services. Tharoor underscored Kerala’s strategic importance and invited EU stakeholders to explore joint initiatives that could benefit local economies.
While concrete agreements were not announced, the two sides agreed to set up a working group to map out specific projects and to schedule follow‑up meetings later in the year. The talks are part of a broader effort by New Delhi to deepen its engagement with Europe ahead of upcoming multilateral forums.
The meeting reflects a growing diplomatic momentum as both India and the EU seek to diversify their partnerships beyond traditional markets, with Kerala positioned as a focal point for pilot collaborations.
The discussion also turned to the southern state of Kerala, where the EU sees potential for cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism and the diaspora‑linked services. Tharoor underscored Kerala’s strategic importance and invited EU stakeholders to explore joint initiatives that could benefit local economies.
While concrete agreements were not announced, the two sides agreed to set up a working group to map out specific projects and to schedule follow‑up meetings later in the year. The talks are part of a broader effort by New Delhi to deepen its engagement with Europe ahead of upcoming multilateral forums.
The meeting reflects a growing diplomatic momentum as both India and the EU seek to diversify their partnerships beyond traditional markets, with Kerala positioned as a focal point for pilot collaborations.