Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would create new opportunities in trade, technology, manufacturing and resilient supply chains, while pitching India as a trusted economic partner for Europe during his address at the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg.
Addressing the gathering hosted by Volvo Group, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing strategic convergence between India and Europe and stressed the importance of trusted partnerships in an increasingly uncertain global environment. The Prime Minister said connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor would further strengthen India-Europe business cooperation and add new momentum to economic partnerships between the two sides.
Projecting India as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment and manufacturing, PM Modi pointed to rapid economic growth, next-generation reforms, digital public infrastructure and a rapidly expanding infrastructure sector. Reiterating the government’s “Design for India, Make in India and Export from India” vision, he invited European companies to deepen engagement with India.
The Prime Minister also underlined the need for India and Europe to work together to build diversified and resilient supply chains and identified sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, telecom infrastructure, clean energy, mobility, healthcare and deep-tech manufacturing as key areas for collaboration.
Further, the PM stressed the importance of talent mobility, education and skill partnerships, describing India’s young workforce as a major strength for future global economic growth. He also proposed holding an annual India-Europe CEOs Round Table and suggested creating an India Desk at the ERT to strengthen institutional engagement with European industry leaders.
The interaction was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, senior European industry leaders and representatives from leading Indian and European companies.
