New Delhi: India and Bulgaria have agreed to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, defense, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level talks with Bulgaria’s leadership during his visit to Sofia.
Jaishankar met Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Balkan nation.
The discussions reflected the growing momentum in bilateral relations and the shared desire to build a stronger economic and strategic partnership.
The two sides explored opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas such as pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies, space, defense manufacturing, mobility, tourism, and the creative industries.
Both leaders also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, underlining the importance of closer cooperation in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
During his visit, Jaishankar also held detailed talks with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova. The discussions reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and focused on identifying new avenues for economic engagement and technology partnerships.
A significant part of the talks centered on opportunities arising from the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, as well as efforts to strengthen strategic and defense cooperation.
A pleasure to meet PM Rumen Radev this afternoon in Bulgaria.
Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to the Government and people of Bulgaria.
Highlighted our robust bilateral ties, recent opportunities created by the strengthening 🇮🇳🇪🇺 Strategic Partnership, and the… pic.twitter.com/G8r0YxreMp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 10, 2026
The two ministers discussed enhancing collaboration in science and technology, artificial intelligence, education, culture, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides stressed the need for more frequent political engagements and stronger institutional links to support the growing partnership. The discussions also highlighted the role of mobility and talent exchange in bringing the two countries closer.
Jaishankar said that India and Bulgaria are determined to transform their longstanding friendship into a modern and forward-looking partnership that reflects present-day economic and strategic priorities.
Apart from official meetings, the minister visited Bulgaria’s National Historical Museum in Sofia, where he gained insights into the country’s rich cultural legacy. He also interacted with prominent Bulgarian friends of India, discussing ways to strengthen academic, cultural, and business connections between the two nations.
Following the conclusion of his engagements in Bulgaria, Jaishankar is set to travel to Finland to participate in the 14th edition of the Kultaranta Talks. During his visit, he is expected to hold discussions with Finnish leaders on bilateral cooperation and key international issues.
