Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal held high-level meetings in Brussels with European Commission officials to strengthen the comprehensive economic and strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The meetings focused on multiple dimensions of bilateral cooperation, including trade facilitation, market access, and deeper engagement in sustainable development and green technologies.
During the meeting with Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), 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 remaining procedural and implementation-related issues.
In the meeting with Mr. Koen Doens, Director-General of Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), 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, Director-General of Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), focused on customs cooperation, trade facilitation, and preparations for the implementation of the India-EU FTA. Both sides recognized 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 recognized 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.