Jaishankar Meets Bulgarian Leaders, Strengthens EU-Linked Cooperation Agenda

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held high-level discussions with Bulgaria's top leadership , focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across emerging technologies, strategic sectors, and economic engagement, amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

During his meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the growing momentum in India-Bulgaria relations. Both sides discussed expanding collaboration in trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, mobility, tourism, and creative industries , underscoring a shared interest in high-value economic sectors.

According to additional details reported in Bulgarian official statements, Prime Minister Radev emphasized Bulgaria’s growing capabilities in information technology, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems , noting that the country is among EU members selected to establish AI factories with European funding , opening new avenues for cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.

The leaders also discussed space technology collaboration, scientific research, and film and entertainment sector partnerships, reflecting a broader push to diversify engagement beyond traditional trade areas.

Jaishankar underlined the importance of the strengthening India-EU strategic partnership , noting that it creates new opportunities for deeper India-Bulgaria cooperation. Both sides also emphasized the need to “de-risk and diversify” economic ties in response to global volatility and supply chain disruptions.

In his subsequent meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored opportunities under the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) . They also discussed strengthening cooperation in science and technology, defence, connectivity, education, culture, and mobility frameworks, alongside increasing political engagement at multiple levels.

The Bulgarian foreign ministry also highlighted that bilateral trade, while growing, remains below its potential, with both sides agreeing on the need for more institutional cooperation, business forums, and private sector participation to unlock untapped opportunities.

Jaishankar also met prominent Bulgarian friends of India in Sofia and visited the National Historical Museum, which houses over 700,000 artefacts spanning thousands of years, reflecting Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.

After concluding his engagements in Sofia, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Finland to attend the Kultaranta Talks , where he will participate in discussions on global transitions and meet Finnish leadership.