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Key Points

During his official visit to France, Piyush Goyal met with Eric Lombard to strengthen India-France economic relations. Their discussions emphasized enhancing trade, investments, and technology collaboration. Both ministers reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, expressing optimism about minimizing divergences. Goyal also engaged with top French business leaders to explore mutual growth in key sectors such as renewable energy and automotive manufacturing.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal and Eric Lombard Boost India-France Economic Ties

  • Piyush Goyal meets Eric Lombard in Paris
  • Focus on deepening trade and technology cooperation
  • Discusses India-EU FTA progress and economic collaboration
3 min read

Deepening India-France economic ties: Piyush Goyal meets French minister Eric Lombard

Piyush Goyal and Eric Lombard discuss advancing India-France economic ties, focusing on trade, investments, and the India-EU FTA.

"Exchanged views on deepening our economic partnership, enhancing trade & investments. - Piyush Goyal"

Paris, June 2

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a productive meeting with French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Eric Lombard, on Monday (local time), focusing on deepening the India-France economic partnership with an emphasis on trade, investments, and technology cooperation.

The discussions, which took place during Goyal's three-day official visit to France, also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signalling a strong intent to bolster bilateral ties amidst a shared commitment to innovation and economic growth.

"Held a productive meeting with Eric Lombard, French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Exchanged views on deepening our economic partnership, enhancing trade & investments with a special focus on technology and innovation across key sectors. Also discussed the progress of the India-EU FTA negotiations. Looking forward to stronger India-France economic ties," Goyal said in a post on X.

https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1929557922511548709

Earlier, the Commerce and Industry Minister expressed optimism that India could finalise its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) ahead of the year-end deadline, citing minimal divergences between the two economic blocs. Goyal emphasised the complementary nature of the Indian and European economies.

"There are not too many issues where we have divergence of opinion. We have both complementary economies," he stated. "In most cases, what is of offensive interest to India does not hurt the European economy. And likewise, goods and services that Europe would like to provide to India only support our growth story."

The minister acknowledged that certain sensitive areas require careful negotiation on both sides. "Obviously, in any trading relationship, there are certain sensitive issues on both sides which we have to resolve amicably in the interest of both the European Union and India," Goyal noted.

Goyal also held a series of high-level meetings in Paris with top French CEOs to explore new opportunities for India's growth across key sectors such as renewable energy, automobile manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs), and consumer products.

As part of his engagements, Goyal met Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF Energy, to discuss India's growing role in the global clean energy transition.

He also met Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of L'Oreal Groupe and Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of Total Energies.

The minister commenced his three-day official visit to France on Sunday as part of his ongoing visit to France and Italy from 1 to 5 June 2025.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is excellent news! France has always been a reliable partner for India. The focus on renewable energy and EVs is particularly exciting - we need more foreign investment in these sectors to achieve our green goals. 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇷
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the economic cooperation, I hope our negotiators don't compromise too much on local manufacturing interests. We've seen how FTAs can sometimes hurt small businesses. Need balanced agreements that benefit both sides.
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Amit S.
France is the perfect partner for India's tech growth! Their expertise in aerospace combined with our IT skills can create magic. Hope to see more student exchange programs and joint research initiatives coming out of this. ✈️💻
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Sunita R.
The mention of L'Oreal makes me happy! Maybe we'll get more affordable French beauty products now 😄 On serious note, technology transfer in cosmetics manufacturing could boost our Make in India initiative in FMCG sector.
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Vikram J.
Good to see discussions on digital sovereignty too. In today's world, data security is as important as physical borders. Hope India and France can collaborate to reduce dependence on American and Chinese tech giants.
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Neha P.
The EU FTA has been in talks for so long! While I'm hopeful about year-end deadline, our government must ensure proper safeguards for our farmers and MSMEs. Economic growth shouldn't come at cost of local livelihoods.
K
Karan D.
Renault partnership could mean more affordable electric vehicles for Indian middle class. But hope they

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