India, Romania boost trade talks in Bucharest, eye EU FTA, stronger supply chains and growing export partnerships.
In a significant diplomatic push to deepen economic engagement, India’s Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, held a bilateral meeting in Bucharest with Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Oana-Silvia Țoiu. The discussions focused on expanding trade, enhancing investment flows, and strengthening resilient supply chains within the broader India–EU economic framework.
Top on the agenda was the commitment from both sides to work toward concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) within the year, in line with ongoing negotiations and political direction.
Trade Ties Remain Strong
The ministers reviewed the stable economic relationship between the two nations:
- India’s exports to Romania crossed USD 1.03 billion in FY 2024–25
- Bilateral trade touched USD 2.98 billion in FY 2023–24
Both sides agreed to deepen linkages in priority sectors such as
- Petroleum products
- Engineering goods
- Pharmaceuticals
- Ceramics
They also discussed collaboration in standards, testing, and investment partnerships to improve market access for businesses on both sides.
Building Stronger, More Reliable Supply Chains
To reduce global vulnerabilities, India and Romania agreed to diversify production and coordinate efforts as trusted partners, ensuring stable, resilient, and secure supply chains, a key demand of global manufacturers and investors.
Momentum Through High-Level Engagement
Leveraging recent diplomatic exchanges, both countries committed to:
- Regular engagement calendars
- Streamlined trade facilitation
- Investor outreach programmes
- Development of a mobility toolkit to support skills-based movement
These measures aim to convert emerging opportunities into tangible industry outcomes.
A Stronger Partnership Ahead
The visit underscores the growing importance of the India–Romania economic corridor. With expanding trade, widening investment flows, and broader mobility pathways, both nations are laying the groundwork for mutual economic growth, business confidence, and future-ready supply networks.
Source: PIB
