Thursday, February 5, 2026
ADVT 
India

India, France discuss progress of free trade agreement negotiations

Darpan News Desk IANS, 02 Jun, 2025 01:59 PM
  • India, France discuss progress of free trade agreement negotiations

New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday met French Finance Minister Eric Lombard in Paris and discussed the progress of the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. 

In a post on X social media platform, Goyal said: “Held a productive meeting with @Eric_R_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,” the Union Minister further posted.

Goyal said he is looking forward to stronger India-France economic ties.

Earlier in the day, Goyal held a meeting with Christophe Perillat, CEO of Valeo Group, a global automotive supplier company with a strong footprint in India.

“Appreciate the company’s trust in India’s growth story and their plans to enhance investments in the country. We discussed avenues to scale up their manufacturing presence in India,” the Union Minister informed.

He also met Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of the L'Oréal Group, and discussed opportunities for L'Oréal to ‘Make in India’ for the world.

Commerce Minister also met other top global CEOs in Paris to explore their future investment plans for the India market in promising sectors like electric vehicle and renewable energy (RE). 

The minister is on an official trip to France with the aim of boosting trade and investments and will also attend a ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Tuesday.

Commerce Minister has also indicated that India is likely to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Oman soon, as the talks between the two countries are making headway.

Following his engagements in France, the Union Minister will proceed to Italy for the next leg of his official visit.

Picture Courtesy: IANS

MORE India ARTICLES

India’s GDP growth expected to touch 6.6 pc in Q3 of 2024-25: Report

India’s GDP growth expected to touch 6.6 pc in Q3 of 2024-25: Report
The increase in the government's capital expenditure (capex) is a major driver of economic stability while the financial sector and rural demand show resilience, the report points out.

India’s GDP growth expected to touch 6.6 pc in Q3 of 2024-25: Report

LoP Rahul Gandhi criticises govt over CEC appointment, submits dissent note

LoP Rahul Gandhi criticises govt over CEC appointment, submits dissent note
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has strongly criticised the Centre for appointing Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in a late-night decision. Kumar, a retired IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, replaces Rajiv Kumar following his retirement.

LoP Rahul Gandhi criticises govt over CEC appointment, submits dissent note

Rajasthan Police seize 149.54 gm of illicit MDMA drugs

Rajasthan Police seize 149.54 gm of illicit MDMA drugs
Rajasthan Police on Tuesday intercepted a smuggler and seized 149.54 grams of MDMA drugs worth Rs 30 lakh and also confiscated the car used in the smuggling operation. The arrested individual, Azam Khan (45), son of Aziz, is a resident of the Thana Kharakuan area in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, said police officials.

Rajasthan Police seize 149.54 gm of illicit MDMA drugs

Allahbadia case: Obscenity can't be tolerated as freedom of speech, warns CM Fadnavis

Allahbadia case: Obscenity can't be tolerated as freedom of speech, warns CM Fadnavis
After the Supreme Court pulled up Ranveer Allahabadia, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday warned that obscenity cannot be tolerated as freedom of speech. He hailed the apex court’s scathing observations saying that everyone has the right to free speech but if it encroaches on someone’s freedom they are bound to face the action.

Allahbadia case: Obscenity can't be tolerated as freedom of speech, warns CM Fadnavis

India-UAE bilateral trade doubles to $83.7 billion in two years after signing economic pact

India-UAE bilateral trade doubles to $83.7 billion in two years after signing economic pact
The India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) signed on 18th February 2022 completed three successful years on Tuesday which saw bilateral trade nearly doubling from $43.3 billion in FY 2020-21 to $83.7 billion in 2023-24, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Tuesday.

India-UAE bilateral trade doubles to $83.7 billion in two years after signing economic pact

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak, his family meet PM Modi

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak, his family meet PM Modi
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his family met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday. Both dignitaries had a wonderful conversation on many subjects. PM Modi said that Sunak is a great friend of India and is passionate about even stronger India-UK ties.

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak, his family meet PM Modi