Synopsis
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Luxembourg Deputy PM at VivaTech to discuss strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and digital cooperation. Both sides highlighted AI progress, emerging tech partnerships, and opportunities for startups and innovation ecosystems.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held high-level discussions with Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel on expanding cooperation across a range of future-focused sectors, including fintech, space technology, digital innovation, financial services, and other emerging technologies. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Viva Technology 2026 (VivaTech 2026) in Paris, one of the world’s leading technology and startup events, where global leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators gathered to discuss the future of technology-driven growth.
The interaction highlighted the growing importance of the India-Luxembourg partnership, particularly as both nations seek to deepen economic engagement through innovation-led development. During their discussions, the two leaders explored opportunities to align their technological and economic priorities while identifying new areas for collaboration that could benefit businesses, startups, investors, and research institutions in both countries.
Reflecting on the meeting, Goyal shared his optimism regarding the future of bilateral relations. “A warm and productive interaction with Mr. @Xavier_Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade & Cooperation of Luxembourg, at @VivaTech 2026. India and Luxembourg continue to strengthen a partnership driven by innovation, technology, and shared economic aspirations”, Goyal says on X.
The talks come at a significant moment for India-Europe economic relations, as both sides continue to strengthen trade and investment ties. According to Goyal, the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in technology-driven sectors. The agreement is expected to facilitate greater market access, boost investments, and encourage joint innovation initiatives between India and European nations, including Luxembourg.
Also Read: US-India Relations ‘very close’ to inking a trade deal, says Trump after meet with Modi
“With the India-EU FTA now concluded and cooperation deepening across strategic sectors, Luxembourg remains an important partner in strengthening India’s economic and technological engagement with Europe, while unlocking new avenues for innovation, investment, and shared prosperity”, Goyal added.
Beyond the bilateral meeting, Goyal also represented India during a prominent panel discussion titled ‘The New Growth Playbook‘, where he joined UAE Minister of Economy & Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and former French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire. The discussion focused on how countries can harness technological transformation to drive sustainable economic growth, with particular emphasis on the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As governments worldwide race to adopt AI technologies while addressing concerns related to governance, ethics, and transparency, Goyal outlined India’s balanced and inclusive approach toward AI development. He emphasized that India aims to leverage artificial intelligence as a catalyst for economic progress while ensuring that its deployment remains responsible and trustworthy.
“Exchanged views on how AI presents immense opportunities to drive economic growth. Emphasised that India’s approach to AI seeks to balance technological advancement with trust, transparency, inclusiveness & responsibility”, Goyal says in a separate post on X.
The minister also showcased India’s remarkable progress in building a globally recognized digital ecosystem, highlighting the country’s expanding startup ecosystem, advanced Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and highly skilled workforce. These strengths, he noted, have positioned India as a preferred destination for global technology companies, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking opportunities in high-growth sectors.
“Highlighted the rapid strides India is making in the AI, supported by a vibrant startup ecosystem, world-class Digital Public Infrastructure & a vast talent pool, making the nation an attractive global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship & technology-driven growth”, Goyal says.
The discussions at VivaTech 2026 reinforced India’s ambition to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, and technology-driven economic growth, while strengthening strategic partnerships with countries such as Luxembourg to accelerate investment, entrepreneurship, and long-term prosperity.