Strengthening Trade Ties: India Expands Economic Engagement with Croatia and Netherlands

India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has concluded a five-day visit to Croatia and the Netherlands, aimed at deepening trade and investment partnerships with the two European nations. The visit, which took place from April 22 to April 26, comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled tour of Europe in May.  

 

During his meetings in Croatia, Barthwal engaged in discussions with Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, focusing on advancing the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. Talks also covered potential collaborations in railways, electric vehicles, information technology, and global capability centers. Croatia expressed interest in investing in India’s defense sector, solar cell production, food processing technology, and automobile manufacturing.  

 

In the Netherlands, Barthwal reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the country, which has emerged as India’s largest merchandise export destination in Europe. A CEO roundtable organized by the Indian embassy saw participation from leading Dutch and Indian companies, exploring new avenues for cooperation in maritime infrastructure and semiconductor technology.  

 

The visit is expected to accelerate trade negotiations, with the next round of India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions scheduled for May 12 in New Delhi. Officials believe that these engagements will pave the way for stronger economic collaboration, benefiting industries across both regions.  

 

Economic developments:  

 

- India and Croatia discuss advancing the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union  

- Croatia expresses interest in investing in India’s defense, solar energy, and food processing sectors  

- Netherlands emerges as India’s largest merchandise export destination in Europe  

- CEO roundtable explores cooperation in maritime infrastructure and semiconductor technology  

- Next round of India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations set for May 12 in New Delhi  

 

Sources: Business Standard, The Hindu Business Line, Economic Times, Deccan Herald