Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27 to strengthen trade, investment, industrial cooperation and India-EU economic ties.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27, 2026, to explore new trade and investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation with European partners.
The visit comes amid ongoing negotiations for the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It aims to strengthen bilateral business relationships, expand industrial and technological collaboration, and identify opportunities for Indian companies in European markets.
Accompanied by a delegation of around 100 businesses and startups, Goyal will engage with government representatives, international policymakers and business leaders to discuss ways to enhance commercial ties and encourage cross-border investment.
During the Germany leg of the visit, scheduled from October 22 to 24, Goyal will participate in the Berlin Global Dialogue. The event will provide a platform to engage with international policymakers and global business leaders on economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
The minister is also scheduled to meet Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, an economic and financial policy adviser, and the country’s G7/G20 Sherpa.
These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment corridors and creating opportunities for businesses in both countries.
India and Germany will explore greater cooperation in advanced engineering, green mobility and clean technology. These sectors offer opportunities for collaboration in industrial innovation, sustainable manufacturing and the development of future-oriented technologies.
The discussions will also examine market access and investment prospects linked to the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations.
A potential trade agreement could provide a broader framework for commercial engagement between Indian and European businesses. The visit is intended to help companies identify emerging opportunities and strengthen partnerships across industrial and technology-driven sectors.
From October 25 to 27, Goyal and the business delegation will visit the Netherlands for government-to-government discussions in The Hague.
The programme includes bilateral ministerial meetings with representatives responsible for economic affairs and climate, as well as foreign trade and development cooperation.
The discussions will explore ways to expand trade channels, strengthen commercial relationships and advance green-transition initiatives. These engagements are expected to support cooperation in sustainable development and create further opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The delegation will also meet the King’s Commissioner of North Holland and members of the Dutch Parliament’s committees on foreign trade and European affairs.
The business delegation will participate in sector-specific roundtables designed to connect Indian companies with European stakeholders and identify areas for collaboration.
Key sectors on the agenda include:
Discussions will examine opportunities in automotive manufacturing, advanced industrial technologies and infrastructure development, with an emphasis on strengthening business partnerships and investment links.
The delegation will explore potential collaboration in IT, artificial intelligence and services. These areas offer scope for technology partnerships, innovation and the expansion of business operations across markets.
Engagements will focus on commercial opportunities in agricultural products, food-related businesses, consumer goods and textiles. The discussions are intended to help companies explore market access and strengthen trade connections.
Healthcare, pharmaceuticals and wellness will also feature in the business programme. The sectoral discussions will provide a platform to examine opportunities for investment, commercial partnerships and cooperation between Indian and European businesses.
As part of the Germany programme, the delegation will participate in an India-Germany Investment Roundtable with Germany Trade & Invest.
The roundtable will focus on investment opportunities and the process of establishing business operations in Germany. It will provide Indian companies with an opportunity to explore the German market, understand potential investment pathways and engage with relevant business stakeholders.
The initiative is expected to support discussions on market entry, industrial cooperation and long-term business expansion.
The ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations form an important backdrop to Goyal’s European visit. Engagements with government representatives and business leaders are intended to identify areas where stronger trade relations and investment partnerships could benefit companies in India and Europe.
The discussions also reflect India's efforts to broaden international economic partnerships, encourage technology transfer and expand opportunities for Indian businesses in global markets.
Conclusion
Piyush Goyal’s visit to Germany and the Netherlands from October 22 to 27, 2026, aims to strengthen India’s economic engagement with Europe. Through ministerial meetings, business roundtables and investment discussions, the delegation will explore opportunities in manufacturing, clean technology, IT, agriculture, healthcare and other sectors. The visit also provides a platform to discuss market access and investment prospects connected with the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations.