Maharashtra Eyes Bigger India-EU FTA Gains With Mumbai-Antwerp Pact

Maharashtra and Belgium Explore New Economic Partnership

Maharashtra is set to take a major role in turning opportunities from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into stronger trade, investment and economic growth, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during a high-level India-Belgium dialogue in Mumbai.

Fadnavis proposed a Mumbai-Antwerp Economic Partnership with Belgium to deepen cooperation in ports, logistics, technology, clean energy, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended the meeting, along with Maharashtra Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal.

Fadnavis said the India-EU FTA should be viewed as more than an agreement focused on tariffs, regulations and market access. He described it as an opportunity to build a stronger long-term partnership based on trust, innovation and shared economic interests.

Maharashtra and Belgium Identify Key Growth Sectors

According to Fadnavis, Belgium’s strengths in ports, logistics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor research, green hydrogen and clean technology match well with Maharashtra’s large consumer market, skilled workforce and established industrial base.

He invited Belgian businesses to become part of Maharashtra’s goal of developing a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The Chief Minister highlighted five major areas for future cooperation:

• Advanced manufacturing and green industries
• Semiconductors and electronics
• Clean energy and green hydrogen
• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
• Ports and logistics

Focus on Semiconductors, Clean Energy and Innovation

Fadnavis also suggested greater cooperation between Belgium-based semiconductor research institute imec and Maharashtra’s universities, research centers and technology companies.

The proposed partnership could support work in semiconductor research, medical devices, healthcare, industrial decarbonization and the circular economy. Green hydrogen and other clean technologies were also identified as important areas for joint development.

Such collaboration could help Maharashtra strengthen its technology and manufacturing ecosystem while giving Belgian companies opportunities to expand their presence in India.

Mumbai and Antwerp Could Strengthen Global Trade Links

The maritime sector was another major focus of the proposed partnership. Fadnavis pointed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the upcoming Vadhavan deep-sea port, Navi Mumbai International Airport and planned multimodal connectivity projects as key assets that can improve Maharashtra’s position as an international logistics hub.

He proposed stronger cooperation between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Maharashtra in areas such as port digitalization, green shipping, hydrogen, logistics and workforce development.

The partnership could create new opportunities for businesses involved in international trade and supply chains while improving connections between Maharashtra and European markets.

Belgium Sees India-EU FTA as Major Trade Opportunity

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the India-EU FTA could connect a market of nearly two billion consumers and create fresh opportunities for trade and investment.

He said the agreement could encourage greater cooperation in research, innovation and employment while promoting trust and strategic partnerships in global trade.

De Wever also highlighted Belgium’s experience in food processing and cold-chain management. He said Antwerp-Bruges could serve as an important gateway for Indian products entering European markets.

Belgian Business Delegation Expected in India

A Belgian business delegation representing the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, logistics, chemicals and energy industries is expected to visit India in February next year.

The delegation is expected to explore potential projects, investment opportunities and areas for long-term cooperation. The visit could provide a platform to turn the proposed Mumbai-Antwerp partnership into practical business initiatives.

The growing engagement between Maharashtra and Belgium could give the state another pathway to expand exports, attract investment, support new technologies and benefit from the wider opportunities created by the India-EU FTA.