Commerce Secretary holds Brussels talks with three European Commission directorates on the India-EU trade agreement
2 November 2026
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a round of meetings in Brussels aimed at the India-European Union economic partnership.
He met Ditte Juul Jorgensen, Director-General of DG TRADE, on easier bilateral trade, market access and supply chains.
With Koen Doens of DG INTPA he discussed development cooperation, clean energy and green technologies.
With Gerasimos Thomas of DG TAXUD the talks covered customs cooperation and preparations for implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Both sides agreed that transparent and digitally enabled customs procedures lower transaction costs.
India and Belgium identified gems and jewellery as a key area of cooperation, with Antwerp, Mumbai and Surat named as major diamond hubs.
Agrawal also joined a business roundtable with BusinessEurope, where Ambassador Pranay Verma spoke on the FTA.
In plain words
DG TAXUD Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union — The European Commission department that handles customs and taxation policy.
FTA Free Trade Agreement — A treaty between countries to cut tariffs and other trade barriers.