The North News
New Delhi, June 9
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, began an official visit to Switzerland on 9 June, launching a five-day diplomatic and trade mission across Switzerland and Sweden aimed at bolstering India’s economic footprint in Europe. The visit is part of a wider push by New Delhi to strengthen strategic and commercial partnerships with key European economies, as India positions itself as a resilient, innovation-driven growth partner on the global stage.
In Switzerland, Goyal is holding talks with senior government figures and business leaders across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, life sciences, and high-tech manufacturing. His schedule includes meetings with global CEOs and Swiss industry associations, as well as a sit-down with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin — a key moment in efforts to deepen bilateral ties.
Goyal is also engaging with Indian business leaders and diaspora organisations, including the ICAI Zurich Chapter, as part of a broader outreach strategy. He will participate in Swissmem Industry Day and a high-level business round table with the Swiss Mechanical and Electrical (MEM) industry, where discussions are expected to centre on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The second leg of the visit will take Goyal to Sweden, where he is due to co-chair the 21st Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation with Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa.
In Stockholm, the Minister will also meet with Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and hold business dialogues with Swedish multinationals including Ericsson, Volvo, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB — companies that have existing or growing operations in India.
The itinerary includes an India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Round Table and targeted discussions on green technologies, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable solutions — sectors in which Sweden is a global leader.
Throughout the visit, Goyal will engage with the Indian community and local media, reinforcing cultural ties and articulating India’s vision for long-term, mutually beneficial economic collaboration.
