The meetings focused on strengthening the comprehensive economic and
strategic partnership between India and the European Union. During the meeting with Ms. Ditte Juul
Jørgensen, both sides discussed measures to facilitate two-way trade, improve
market access, strengthen supply chain resilience and create new opportunities
for businesses in India and the European Union. They reaffirmed their
commitment to a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to
maintain close engagement to address the remaining procedural and
implementation-related issues. In the
meeting with Mr. Koen Doens, both sides exchanged views on strengthening
India–EU development cooperation and strategic partnerships, with discussions
covering sustainable development, clean energy, green technologies and related
areas. The meeting with Mr.
Gerassimos Thomas focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and
preparations for the implementation of the India–EU FTA. Both sides recognised
the importance of efficient, transparent and digitally enabled customs
procedures in supporting businesses, reducing transaction costs and ensuring
the smooth movement of legitimate trade.
Shri Agrawal also met stakeholders from the diamond industry, including
representatives associated with the Antwerp diamond ecosystem. The discussions
covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability
requirements, responsible sourcing, and opportunities arising from India’s
growing diamond market and manufacturing ecosystem. India and Belgium have
identified gems and jewellery as an important area for deeper cooperation, with
Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat recognised as major diamond centres. The Commerce Secretary participated in a
BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry representatives to discuss
opportunities for strengthening trade and investment ties, improving market
access, enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing cooperation under the
India–EU FTA. He highlighted India’s strong economic growth, reform momentum
and investment opportunities across key sectors, and invited European
businesses to deepen their engagement with India and participate in its
expanding value chains.
The engagements reflect the growing breadth of
India–EU cooperation across trade, investment, development partnership,
taxation and customs, and reaffirm the shared commitment of both sides to
further strengthening their strategic partnership.