Piyush Goyal in Paris: Bats for bigger trade, tech ties with Israel, France, Saudi Arabia

Goyal also addressed the India-France Business Conference in Paris. (Image: @PiyushGoyal - X)

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level meetings in Paris on Tuesday, aimed at boosting India’s global trade ties and expanding partnerships in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors.

Goyal met Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, where discussions focused on broadening the trade basket and strengthening cooperation in emerging areas. “Excellent meeting with Israel's Minister of Economy and Industry, @NirBarkat, in Paris. Our discussions focused on diversifying our trade basket, fostering innovation, and strengthening cooperation in high-tech and emerging sectors, paving the way for the next phase of our partnership,” Goyal posted on X.

It was a pleasure to address the India-France Business Conference, which brought together several Indian and French companies.
Highlighted the India Opportunity, driven by a skilled & talented workforce and the governments commitment to ease of doing business, and how it pic.twitter.com/0pOjdwq5Sv Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 3, 2025

Goyal also addressed the India-France Business Conference in Paris, where he pitched the ‘India Opportunity’ to French firms. He cited India’s skilled workforce and ongoing reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business as key draws for investment.

“It was a pleasure to address the India-France Business Conference, which brought together several Indian and French companies. Highlighted the 'India Opportunity', driven by a skilled & talented workforce and the government's commitment to ease of doing business, and how it offers promising avenues for French companies. Encouraged companies from both sides to collaborate by building on shared interests and leveraging each other's competencies. Deeper engagement between our businesses will play a significant role in further strengthening the India-France strategic partnership,” he wrote on X.

Goyal also participated in the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting alongside French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin. The discussion covered a broad range of topics, including technology, artificial intelligence, education, and startups.

Addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting today in Paris along with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad @LaurentSMartin.During the interactive discussion, attended by Indian & French companies, we covered a wide range of aspects pic.twitter.com/zAhUTH7VHP Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 3, 2025

“Addressed the India-France CEO Forum Small Group Meeting today in Paris along with French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad @LaurentSMartin. During the interactive discussion, attended by Indian & French companies, we covered a wide range of aspects of India-France cooperation, including technology, AI, education, and startups. I further highlighted how French companies believe in the India story and how both sides are committed to advancing economic and trade relations and cultivating a smarter future together,” he posted.

In a bilateral meeting with Saint-Martin, Goyal explored fresh avenues to deepen trade and investment flows. “Good meeting with the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, @LaurentSMartin. Explored new avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investments, and facilitate business-to-business engagement. We also reaffirmed our shared commitment to making technology a new cornerstone of the Indo-French economic partnership, especially in the context of the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026,” Goyal said.

On the sidelines of his visit, Goyal also met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reiterating India's commitment to a multilateral trading system. “Had a productive meeting with @NOIweala, Director General of @WTO, in Paris. Emphasised India's commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system,” he posted.

Had a productive meeting with @NOIweala, Director General of @WTO, in Paris.
Emphasised Indias commitment to help strengthen a fair, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system. pic.twitter.com/jF5ChCCqxx Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 3, 2025

Goyal also held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi to discuss bilateral trade and investment. “Held a productive meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce H.E. @MAlKassabi. Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening our economic partnership,” he said on X.

Held a productive meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Commerce H.E. @MAlKassabi.Discussed enhancing bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening our economic partnership. pic.twitter.com/9N5up0bTpM Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) June 3, 2025

Goyal’s engagements in Paris are part of his three-day official visit to France, where he also reviewed the progress of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. He is scheduled to travel to Italy after concluding his visit to France.

(With inputs from ANI)