Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began a six-day trade and investment visit to Germany and the Netherlands on 22 October 2026, leading a delegation of about 100 Indian businesses and startups. The visit runs from 22 to 24 October in Germany and from 24 to 27 October in the Netherlands, with market access linked to the India-EU free trade agreement on the agenda.
The visit comes as the two European countries remain important partners for Indian exporters. In 2025-26, India-Germany trade rose about 5% to USD 31 billion, while India-Netherlands trade fell 16.2% to USD 23.26 billion, according to figures reported by PTI.
What Is on Goyal’s Agenda in Germany and the Netherlands?
In Berlin (22-24 October), Goyal is due to address policymakers and business leaders on India’s economic stability, manufacturing and role in resilient global supply chains, and to meet Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. A parallel programme includes sectoral roundtables on automotive, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and energy; IT, AI and services; agri-food, consumer goods and textiles; and healthcare and pharmaceuticals. An India-Germany Investment Roundtable is being organised with Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI).
In the Netherlands (24-27 October), Goyal will hold ministerial meetings in The Hague, visit the Port of Rotterdam on 25 October, and address the India-Netherlands Business Forum on 26 October alongside the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Forum sectors include food processing, high technology, renewable energy, logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods and services.
How Big Is India’s Trade With Germany and the Netherlands?
Germany is India’s 8th-largest trading partner and its largest trading partner in the EU. In 2025-26, Indian exports to Germany were USD 11.52 billion against imports of USD 19.5 billion, so the balance favours Germany. Germany is India’s 10th-largest investor, with USD 495 million of FDI last fiscal year, and more than 2,000 German firms operate in India.
The Netherlands is India’s 11th-largest trading partner and its third-largest export destination globally. Indian exports were USD 17.5 billion against imports of USD 5.76 billion, a surplus for India. The Netherlands is India’s fifth-largest investor, and over 300 companies from each country operate in the other.
What Do Officials and Industry Say?
The Commerce Ministry said the talks would cover strengthening bilateral trade and investment corridors, technology and industrial cooperation in areas such as green mobility and clean technology, and market access tied to the India-EU FTA negotiations. No direct quotes from Goyal or industry bodies on the visit were available at the time of writing.
Market and Trade Reaction
No market or trade-body reaction had been reported at the time of writing, as the visit had only just begun. Outcomes will depend on government discussions, follow-up agreements and investment decisions by participating companies.
What Happens Next?
Goyal’s engagements run until 27 October. Watch for announcements from the Berlin investment roundtable, the Rotterdam port visit on 25 October and the 26 October business forum in The Hague, as well as any signal on progress of the India-EU FTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Piyush Goyal visiting Germany and the Netherlands?
He is in Germany from 22 to 24 October 2026 and in the Netherlands from 24 to 27 October 2026.
How large is India’s trade with Germany?
Bilateral trade rose about 5% to USD 31 billion in 2025-26, with Indian exports of USD 11.52 billion and imports of USD 19.5 billion.
Who is travelling with the Commerce Minister?
A delegation of around 100 Indian businesses, startups and entrepreneurs is accompanying him.
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