India and Belgium have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, logistics and workforce mobility during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Brussels. The discussions also highlighted the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), clean energy collaboration and stronger industrial partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.
Key Highlights
- India and Belgium discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, logistics and workforce mobility.
- Piyush Goyal and Belgian leaders reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- India and the EU explored collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen and clean technologies.
- Thales Belgium was encouraged to expand its manufacturing footprint in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
New Delhi, July 15: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels to strengthen India-Belgium economic relations, with discussions centred on trade, investment, technology, logistics and workforce mobility. The engagements reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation while accelerating progress on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
During his meeting with David Clarinval, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture, Goyal discussed new avenues for economic collaboration. Both leaders also exchanged views on the transformative potential of the India-EU FTA, reaffirming their shared commitment to creating greater opportunities for businesses, investors and citizens in both regions.
Goyal also met EU Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra, where discussions focused on clean growth, climate action and sustainable industrial development. The two sides explored expanding cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, clean technologies, innovation, strategic investments and resilient value chains to support their shared net-zero ambitions.
In another key engagement, the Commerce Minister met Thomas Colinet, Managing Director, and Bruno Lete, Director of Public Affairs at Thales Belgium. Appreciating the company’s long-standing presence in India, Goyal highlighted its contributions to manufacturing, technology partnerships and skill development. He encouraged the company to expand its manufacturing footprint in India, aligned with the vision of “Make in India, Make for the World.”
Earlier, Goyal also held talks with Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, to explore opportunities for expanding India-Spain cooperation in trade, manufacturing, innovation, tourism and future-ready industries. The leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening industrial partnerships, resilient supply chains and economic cooperation, supported by the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
The meetings underscore India’s growing engagement with European partners as it seeks to deepen trade relations, attract investment and promote sustainable industrial growth. Enhanced cooperation with Belgium, Spain and the European Union is expected to create new opportunities for businesses while strengthening strategic partnerships in emerging sectors.
India’s high-level engagements with Belgium, Spain and the European Union reinforce its commitment to expanding trade, investment and technology partnerships while advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and supporting long-term sustainable economic growth.
