In a significant push to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and global trade engagement, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal led India’s delegation at the India-France Business Conference held in Paris during his official visit to France. The event served as a powerful platform for the Minister to spotlight the ‘India Opportunity’—a compelling narrative centered around India's skilled human capital, strong domestic economic fundamentals, and pro-business reforms.

Mr. Goyal emphasized the strategic importance of Indo-French economic collaboration, asserting that closer business-to-business interactions can substantially strengthen the multifaceted strategic relationship between both countries.

‘India Opportunity’ – A Vision of Growth and Collaboration

In his keynote address, Mr. Goyal urged Indian and French businesses to explore synergies across high-growth sectors, leveraging India’s talent-driven growth model and ease of doing business initiatives. He remarked that India’s large and young workforce, combined with ongoing digital transformation, makes it an attractive investment destination for French enterprises.

He outlined that India’s GDP expansion, startup ecosystem, manufacturing reforms like PLI schemes, and improved logistics infrastructure all contribute to making it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for global investors.

The Minister also emphasized India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, encouraging responsible investment and ethical corporate partnerships that can further both nations’ climate and innovation agendas.

India-France CEO Forum – Small Group Meeting

During his visit, Mr. Goyal co-chaired the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting with Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. This high-level engagement aimed at advancing economic ties, especially in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), higher education, clean energy, and startups.

The discussion was marked by:

• The identification of AI and deep tech as future pillars of economic engagement.

• Support for academic and industry linkages, particularly in STEM education.

• Promotion of Indian startups as global disruptors ripe for French partnership.

The forum served as a precursor to the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, expected to serve as a catalyst for cross-border knowledge sharing and R&D partnerships.

Multilateral & Bilateral Engagements

In addition to the bilateral economic dialogue with France, Mr. Goyal held key multilateral and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference:

Meeting with WTO Director-General

Mr. Goyal met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reaffirming India's commitment to a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. The Minister emphasized the need to balance economic growth with equitable development, especially for emerging and developing economies.

This discussion gains importance amid ongoing global trade tensions and the need for inclusive WTO reforms that ensure food security, digital trade facilitation, and special treatment for least-developed countries.

India-Saudi Arabia Bilateral Talks

Another important meeting took place between Mr. Goyal and Saudi Minister of Commerce Mr. Majid Al-Kassabi, focusing on new investment avenues and trade diversification. The conversation covered:

• Energy security and green energy cooperation.

• Cross-border investment opportunities in infrastructure and fintech.

• Joint exploration of value chains in manufacturing and services sectors.

This marks a continuation of India’s efforts to deepen ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, especially in light of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Focus on Innovation and FTA Negotiations

A separate bilateral engagement with Mr. Laurent Saint-Martin included a review of Indo-French trade and investment cooperation, where both ministers emphasized the role of technology, innovation, and startups in shaping the future of their economic partnership.

Particular attention was given to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Mr. Goyal reiterated India’s interest in an equitable, innovation-focused, and mutually beneficial trade deal, while recognizing the importance of access to European markets and advanced technologies.

Key FTA agenda points included:

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection.

• Tariff reduction for critical goods.

• Data governance frameworks and digital economy alignment.

• Sustainable trade and circular economy practices.

Strengthening Indo-French Economic Ties

The India-France Business Conference reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to co-create a resilient economic architecture. Mr. Goyal’s visit reflected India’s larger diplomatic and economic strategy—to expand strategic economic alliances with key global players, especially those aligned with democratic values and innovation-based growth models.

France, with its technological prowess, strong academic institutions, and strategic influence within the EU, represents a natural partner for India's upward economic trajectory. The Business Conference and associated forums laid the foundation for:

• New joint ventures between Indian and French firms.

• University-industry collaborations on tech transfer.

• Boosted bilateral trade and investment flows.

Future Outlook: The Road to 2026 and Beyond

The announcement of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 is set to become a landmark in Indo-French cooperation. The year will witness a series of events, delegations, and initiatives aimed at:

• Promoting technology exchange in AI, green hydrogen, fintech, and defense.

• Encouraging cross-investment in R&D centers and innovation clusters.

• Enhancing bilateral startup ecosystems through funding and mentorship exchanges.

Conclusion

Mr. Piyush Goyal’s visit to France and his participation in the India-France Business Conference 2025 underscores India's growing stature as a global economic force. His efforts to promote the ‘India Opportunity’ were met with enthusiasm from French business leaders, paving the way for deeper economic integration, joint innovation, and strengthened diplomatic partnerships.

With multiple bilateral and multilateral engagements, including WTO reform discussions and investment talks with Saudi Arabia, the visit also reaffirmed India's active role in shaping global trade architecture.

As India prepares for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, this visit has not only invigorated existing ties but also seeded long-term collaborations in technology, education, and entrepreneurship that are poised to benefit both nations in the years ahead.

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