India and Luxembourg enjoy trusted, honest partnership, says Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel

Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel stepped into Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, shaking hands with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a relaxed, off‑the‑record chat, Bettel described the bond between the two countries as both “trusted” and “honest”.

“You can’t pick your neighbours, but you can certainly pick your friends,” he quipped, adding that India and Luxembourg have proved themselves to be exactly that – reliable friends. He recalled the good rapport he enjoyed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his own tenure as Luxembourg’s head of government from 2013 to 2023.

Jaishankar, for his part, echoed the sentiment. He highlighted how the partnership is opening doors for stronger supply‑chain resilience and broader economic diversification, especially as the long‑awaited India‑EU Free Trade Agreement edges closer to ratification.

“In a world where foreign ministers are often pre‑occupied with uncertainty, our relationship stands out as a very trusted one,” Jaishankar said. He also thanked Luxembourg for its “very strong support” for the FTA, noting that the agreement is now near the finish line and could soon be in force.

The two ministers also touched on upcoming diplomatic moments. Bettel expressed enthusiasm about meeting Jaishankar again in New York during the United Nations General Assembly’s 81st session, scheduled for late September. Jaishankar is slated to deliver India’s national statement on September 26.

Beyond talks of trade, the visit featured a stop in Chennai, where Bettel will attend an event at IIT Madras and inaugurate a new campus of the School of Engineering Sciences. The three‑day trip, running from September 7 to September 9, underscores the growing depth of India‑Luxembourg ties.

While the discussion covered a range of global topics, Bettel assured that the specifics would stay between the two leaders – a subtle nod to the candid nature of their friendship.