Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal Holds Brussels Meetings with EU
New Delhi, November 2: India and the European Union have reaffirmed their shared commitment to a stronger comprehensive economic and strategic partnership. Under the Free Trade Agreement framework, both sides explored options to deepen trade and investment linkages, enhance market access, reinforce supply chain resilience and address trade facilitation matters.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal conducted a series of high-level meetings in Brussels. His counterparts included Dete Jul Jorgensen, Director General of the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security; Koen Doens, Director General of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships; and Gerasimos Thomas, Director General of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union.
The Ministry of Commerce noted that these engagements highlight the widening scope of India-EU collaboration in trade, investment, development cooperation, taxation and customs. The ministry termed the meetings an important move toward strengthening strategic bonds.
In talks with Dete Jul Jorgensen, the two sides examined ways to facilitate bilateral commerce, extend market reach, build more adaptable supply chains and generate new business prospects. They reiterated their resolve to move toward an equitable, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, and agreed to stay in close contact on remaining procedural and implementation questions.
With Koen Doens, the discussion turned to advancing India-EU development partnership and strategic cooperation. Sustainable development, clean energy, green technology and other related fields received special attention as areas with strong potential for joint action.
The meeting with Gerasimos Thomas concentrated on customs cooperation, trade facilitation and preparations for implementing the India-EU FTA. Both sides stressed that transparent, efficient and digitally enabled customs procedures are crucial for cutting trade costs, easing business and ensuring uninterrupted movement of legitimate trade.
During the visit, Agrawal met delegates from Antwerp's diamond industry and other stakeholders. The conversations addressed the global diamond value chain, certification and traceability standards, responsible sourcing, and emerging opportunities linked to India's growing diamond market and manufacturing capabilities.
India and Belgium have recognised the gems and jewellery sector as a major area for cooperation. Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat are regarded as important centres for global diamond trade and processing.
Agrawal also participated in a roundtable convened by BusinessEurope, which drew European industry representatives. He spotlighted India's strong economic expansion, reform momentum and investment opportunities across sectors, inviting European companies to engage more actively in India's expanding value chains and manufacturing ecosystem.