Brussels, Belgium | 30 September 2026
A delegation of representatives from South Asian countries convened at the European Parliament in Brussels for a high-level dialogue hosted by Member of the European Parliament Ondřej Dostál. The meeting brought together representatives and speakers associated with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, alongside Members of the European Parliament and diplomatic representatives, to explore opportunities for enhanced trade, economic partnerships and cross-regional cooperation.
The gathering provided a platform for direct engagement between South Asian representatives and European parliamentary officials, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding commercial partnerships and encouraging constructive dialogue between Europe and South Asia.
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) and the United Diplomatic Council (UDC), highlighted the importance of bringing South Asian countries together through platforms that encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and practical economic cooperation. He congratulated Pakistan, represented at the meeting by its Chargé d’Affaires, on its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), emphasizing the value of regional engagement and multilateral cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Members of the European Parliament and representatives from diplomatic missions, including representatives of the Embassies of China and Sri Lanka. Their participation added an international dimension to the discussions and highlighted the potential for cooperation involving European institutions, South Asian economies and wider Asian partners.
Mr. Muneer Shaikh Appointed Trade Commissioner in Warsaw
A key development at the gathering was the appointment of Mr. Muneer Shaikh, Chairman of ARCON Group, Poland, as Trade Commissioner for the India EU Trade Council in Warsaw, Poland.
The appointment recognizes the importance of strengthening institutional and business connections between India and the European Union, particularly through Poland, which offers opportunities for commercial engagement between European markets and South Asian enterprises.
In his capacity as Trade Commissioner, Mr. Shaikh is expected to contribute to the development of business relationships, facilitate engagement between companies and trade institutions, and support initiatives aimed at promoting bilateral trade, investment and commercial partnerships.
ARCON International, an Indian company operating in Poland, was also discussed in connection with employment opportunities and recruitment initiatives involving candidates from South Asian countries. The discussions involving Polish delegates and the company highlighted the potential for closer cooperation in employment facilitation and business connectivity, subject to applicable labour, immigration and recruitment regulations.
Parliamentary Engagement and Regional Trade Opportunities
During the meeting, MEP Ondřej Dostál proposed further engagements aimed at facilitating trade partnerships among the participating countries. The discussions focused on the importance of maintaining direct communication between parliamentary representatives, diplomatic missions, trade organizations and the business community.
The Bangladesh delegation also emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relations and expanding economic engagement with European partners. Participants referred to Mr. Dostál’s visit to New Delhi approximately two months earlier, during which he addressed Indian and Bangladeshi delegates, providing an additional point of connection between the Brussels discussions and earlier regional engagements.
The exchange offered an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest, including business networking, investment facilitation, commercial partnerships and institutional cooperation.
Building Bridges Between Europe and South Asia
The meeting underscored the role of parliamentary diplomacy and trade institutions in creating channels for sustained engagement across regions. By bringing together representatives from South Asian countries, European parliamentarians and diplomatic missions, the gathering created opportunities to identify shared economic interests and develop practical avenues for future cooperation.
For IETO and the United Diplomatic Council, the engagement reflects an ongoing commitment to encouraging dialogue among governments, diplomatic representatives, trade bodies and private-sector stakeholders.
The discussions in Brussels mark a constructive step towards strengthening Europe–South Asia engagement, with the potential for further meetings, business exchanges and collaborative initiatives in the months ahead.
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