India Deepens Strategic Economic Engagement with Europe as Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Meetings in Brussels

During his visit, Mr Goyal met Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture, David Clarinval, to discuss expanding India-Belgium cooperation across trade, investment, technology, logistics, and workforce mobility. The two leaders exchanged views on the transformative potential of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening economic ties for the mutual benefit of businesses and people in both regions.

Mr Goyal also held discussions with European Union Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, focusing on strengthening India-European Union cooperation in clean growth, climate action, and sustainable industrial development. The meeting covered expanding collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, clean technologies, innovation, investments, and resilient value chains to support the shared net-zero ambitions of both sides.

In another key engagement, the Union Minister met European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, in Brussels. The discussions focused on deepening the agricultural partnership by strengthening resilient agri-food value chains, enhancing food security, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable growth. The talks built upon the successful conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement and explored avenues for greater cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors.

Earlier, Mr Goyal met Thomas Colinet, Managing Director, and Bruno Lété, Director of Public Affairs at Thales Belgium. He appreciated the company’s longstanding operations in India, including manufacturing for global markets, technology partnerships, and skill development initiatives. In a social media post, Mr Goyal said both sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration and encouraged the company to expand its manufacturing footprint in India in line with the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.”

The series of high-level meetings underscores India’s continued efforts to deepen strategic economic partnerships with Belgium and the European Union across multiple sectors. The engagements reflect a shared commitment to strengthening trade, investment, clean energy, agriculture, technology, industrial collaboration, and sustainable development while creating new opportunities for businesses and supporting long-term economic growth.