Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will undertake a five-day visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland from July 13 to 17, leading a high-level Indian business delegation aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with Europe. The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technology, clean energy, innovation and sustainable manufacturing while accelerating progress towards the proposed India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The delegation includes representatives from leading Indian companies operating in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, renewable energy, healthcare, food processing, gems and jewellery, and industrial design. The visit comes at a crucial time as India and the European Union intensify efforts to build stronger economic and technological partnerships.
Spain Visit to Focus on Trade and Investment
The first leg of the visit will take place in Spain on July 13, where Goyal will hold a series of high-level meetings with senior members of the Spanish government. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral trade, investment opportunities and avenues to enhance cooperation under the proposed India-EU FTA.
The minister will meet Spain’s First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu Boher, and Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno.
A major highlight of the visit will be the India-Spain Business Roundtable, bringing together prominent business leaders and industry associations from both countries. The discussions will explore collaboration in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, food processing and tourism.
The visit also coincides with the Spain-India Dual Year 2026, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Officials believe the celebrations provide an ideal platform to expand commercial ties and encourage greater business-to-business partnerships.
Several Spanish firms, including Iberdrola, Acciona, CAF, Talgo, Gestamp and Indra, already have a significant presence in India. Meanwhile, Indian technology majors such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and Larsen & Toubro continue to expand their operations in Spain.
Belgium to Highlight Logistics, Technology and Trade
During the Belgium leg of the tour on July 14 and 15, Goyal will visit the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s largest logistics hubs, to study global best practices in multimodal transport, green logistics and resilient supply chains.
He will also tour the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, where discussions will focus on responsible sourcing, certification standards and strengthening India’s globally competitive gems and jewellery industry.
The minister is scheduled to hold CEO-level meetings with executives from Thales Group and Silox Group to discuss opportunities in aerospace, cybersecurity, specialty chemicals, battery recycling and sustainable manufacturing.
A key engagement in Brussels will be the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Ministerial Meeting, where Goyal will participate alongside India’s External Affairs Minister and the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. The council serves as the highest institutional platform for cooperation on trade, trusted technologies and economic security between India and the European Union.
He is also expected to meet senior European Union leaders and participate in the India-EU and India-Belgium business roundtables aimed at promoting investment, technology partnerships and industrial collaboration.
Finland Visit to Emphasise Innovation
The final phase of the visit will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17 at the invitation of the Finnish Prime Minister.
The discussions will centre on innovation, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and industrial research. Goyal will meet Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Sakari Puisto, and participate in the India-Finland Business Roundtable involving leading Finnish companies.
An important outcome of the visit will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Business Finland to enhance institutional cooperation and facilitate business partnerships.
The minister will also visit leading Finnish companies and research institutions, including Nokia, VTT Research Centre, KONE Corporation and Kemppi Group, to explore collaboration in 6G technology, telecom infrastructure, smart mobility, industrial automation, electric vehicle infrastructure and frontier technologies.
Strengthening India-EU Partnership
According to the government, the visit reflects India’s commitment to expanding its strategic economic partnership with Europe while promoting resilient supply chains, sustainable industrial growth and innovation-driven development.
With negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement gaining momentum, the tour is expected to create new opportunities for businesses on both sides, encourage investment flows and strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Officials believe the engagements across Spain, Belgium and Finland will provide fresh impetus to India’s long-term economic partnership with the European Union and reinforce its position as a trusted global manufacturing and innovation partner.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
