Jaishankar to Step Up Diplomatic Push on Week-long Visit to France, Belgium, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• EAM S. Jaishankar began a week-long visit (June 8–14) to France and Belgium to enhance bilateral and EU ties.
• He will hold talks with French and Belgian foreign ministers and EU representatives in Brussels.
• The visit aims to bolster diplomatic backing post-Operation Sindoor and reinforce India's anti-terrorism stance.
• Marseille visit includes participation in the Mediterranean Raisina Dialogue; also linked to the IMEC corridor.

Detailed Insights:

1. Strategic Diplomacy Post-Terror Strikes: The visit reinforces India's global outreach post-Operation Sindoor, where diplomatic capital is being mobilized against cross-border terrorism.
2. IMEC Corridor Engagement: Marseille's inclusion in the itinerary indicates India's intention to sustain momentum around the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor despite geopolitical setbacks.
3. FTA Negotiations: Talks with the EU aim to revive and fast-track the long-pending India-EU FTA, with both sides targeting a deal by year-end.
4. Bilateral Issues with Belgium: India is pressing for the extradition of Mehul Choksi, highlighting the convergence of diplomacy and domestic law enforcement.
5. Multilateral Positioning: India seeks stronger support at global platforms like the UN, UNSC, and FATF to legitimize its counter-terrorism operations and isolate sponsor states.
6. Geopolitical Coordination: The trip lays diplomatic groundwork ahead of PM Modi’s attendance at the G-7 summit in Canada.

Key Concepts Involved:

1. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A proposed transnational infrastructure and trade corridor to enhance connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
2. FATF (Financial Action Task Force): An inter-governmental body that sets standards to combat money laundering and terrorism financing globally.

Mains Mock Question:

India’s evolving foreign policy reflects a convergence of economic diplomacy and strategic security concerns. Discuss this in light of recent bilateral engagements with Europe and India's anti-terror initiatives.