India and Germany are strengthening industrial cooperation as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discusses investment, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy and resilient supply chains with German Minister Katharina Reiche, while highlighting the India-EU Free Trade Agreement’s potential to boost bilateral business.
India and Germany are looking to strengthen industrial cooperation, expand bilateral investment and accelerate technological partnerships as both countries explore new opportunities arising from the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the development following a meeting with Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katharina Reiche, during his official visit to Europe.
Goyal said he held a productive meeting with Reiche to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between Indian and German industries and unlock fresh opportunities for businesses in both countries. The discussions covered several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage and resilient supply chains.
The two ministers also explored opportunities to increase investment in India’s industrial and digital ecosystems, reflecting the growing importance of technological cooperation and diversified supply chains in the global economy.
Highlighting the significance of the proposed India-EU FTA, Goyal said the agreement could become a gamechanger for businesses in India and Germany by helping them realise their full potential. The proposed trade pact is expected to create new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial collaboration between India and European markets.
Goyal’s visit to Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27 is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic economic partnerships, expanding bilateral trade and advancing industrial and technological cooperation. According to an official statement issued ahead of the visit, the minister is accompanied by representatives from around 100 businesses and startups.
During the German leg of the tour, Goyal is scheduled to participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue, where international policymakers and business leaders discuss major economic and geopolitical challenges. His participation is expected to highlight India’s macroeconomic stability, manufacturing capabilities and growing role in developing resilient global supply chains.
The minister’s engagements in Germany also include high-level discussions with government officials responsible for economic affairs, energy and financial policy. Meetings are focused on strengthening bilateral trade and investment corridors and identifying areas where Indian and German companies can work more closely together.
Advanced engineering, green mobility and clean technology are among the priority areas for cooperation. Both countries are also exploring opportunities to improve market access and encourage investments linked to the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
India and Germany have complementary industrial strengths, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, technology and clean energy. Greater cooperation in these sectors could support industrial modernisation, encourage innovation and help businesses diversify their supply chains. Investment partnerships could also provide opportunities for Indian companies to access advanced technologies and expand their participation in international markets.
The India-EU FTA remains an important element of India’s wider effort to strengthen economic ties with European partners. A potential agreement could improve the trading environment for businesses, although its final impact will depend on the negotiated terms, market-access provisions and implementation arrangements.
Following his engagements in Germany, Goyal will travel to the Netherlands for further economic and trade discussions in The Hague. He is scheduled to hold bilateral ministerial meetings with the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate and the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
The discussions are expected to focus on expanding trade channels, encouraging investment and advancing cooperation in green transition initiatives. The visit will also include engagements with the King’s Commissioner of North Holland and members of Dutch parliamentary committees dealing with foreign trade and European affairs.
These meetings are intended to strengthen government-to-government engagement and identify opportunities for closer collaboration between Indian businesses and their European counterparts.
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The European tour reflects India’s broader strategy of deepening economic partnerships, attracting investment and strengthening its position in global manufacturing and technology networks. Through discussions on industrial development, clean energy, digital technologies and trade facilitation, India is seeking to build stronger economic links with Germany and the Netherlands while advancing the opportunities associated with the proposed India-EU FTA.
