India and EU Discuss Trade, Supply Chain Resilience and FTA Implementation During Brussels Meetings

Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal held a series of high-level meetings in Brussels with senior European Commission officials to discuss ways to strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The discussions included meetings with Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE); Mr. Koen Doens, Director-General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA); and Mr. Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).

During his meeting with Ms. Ditte Juul Jørgensen, both sides explored ways to promote two-way trade, improve market access, build more resilient supply chains and expand business opportunities for companies in India and the EU. They reiterated their commitment to reaching a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement and agreed to continue working closely on pending procedural and implementation-related matters.

The discussion with Mr. Koen Doens centred on strengthening development cooperation and strategic ties between India and the EU. Key areas included sustainable development, clean energy, green technologies and other shared priorities.

In his meeting with Mr. Gerassimos Thomas, Shri Agrawal discussed customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides underlined the need for transparent, efficient and digitally enabled customs processes to reduce business costs, support trade and ensure the smooth movement of legitimate goods.

Shri Agrawal also met representatives from the diamond industry, including stakeholders connected with Antwerp’s diamond ecosystem. The discussions covered the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability standards, responsible sourcing and opportunities linked to India’s expanding diamond market and manufacturing base. Gems and jewellery have been identified by India and Belgium as an important sector for closer cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat serving as key diamond centres.

The Commerce Secretary further took part in a BusinessEurope roundtable with European industry representatives. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment, improving market access, strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing cooperation through the India-EU FTA. He highlighted India’s economic growth, ongoing reforms and investment potential across major sectors, while encouraging European companies to increase their presence in India and become part of its growing value chains.

These engagements underline the expanding scope of India-EU cooperation, covering trade, investment, development partnerships, taxation and customs. They also reflect the shared intention of both sides to build a stronger and more strategic economic relationship.