India deepens trade and technology ties with EU, UK and Finland

India is expanding its economic and technology partnerships across Europe. At the India‑Estonia Business Forum, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the two countries could combine Estonia’s digital expertise with India’s scale, talent and manufacturing to develop globally competitive solutions. He noted, “I think together, we can combine Estonia’s agility and technical depth with India’s scale and talent…”, and highlighted opportunities in AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and defence.

The India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force, removing tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and 90% of UK imports. Analysts expect modest GDP gains of 0.13% for the UK and 0.06% for India, with sectors such as textiles, footwear, seafood and pharmaceuticals positioned for growth. The pact also eases movement of professionals in IT, finance and healthcare.

In Helsinki, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra and Minister Goyal discussed how an EU‑India free‑trade framework could double India‑Finland trade by 2030, citing “the strategic partnership … will make it possible to double our trade by 2030”. They explored cooperation in AI, 6G, quantum technologies, semiconductors, space and sustainability.

The EU‑India Trade and Technology Council met in Brussels, agreeing to launch formal negotiations on India’s association with Horizon Europe and to create an EU‑India Innovation Hub focused on electric‑vehicle charging. Both sides pledged deeper collaboration in semiconductors, AI, high‑performance computing, quantum tech and 6G, as well as strategic value‑chains in pharmaceuticals, agri‑food and clean energy.

India is also advancing related agreements with the EU, including an investment‑protection pact and a geographical‑indications accord, and has signed a free‑trade agreement with New Zealand to broaden market access for kiwifruit, wool and other products.