India-Slovenia Reaffirm Trade Ties, Chart a Fresh Roadmap for Deeper Economic Cooperation

In a world where global trade winds are constantly shifting, India and Slovenia are quietly building a partnership that’s growing stronger year after year. And this week in New Delhi, that relationship took another meaningful step forward.

At a time when India is expanding its presence across Europe and strengthening its economic diplomacy, New Delhi hosted the 10th Session of the India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) — a platform that has become central to shaping bilateral trade between the two nations. The session was co-chaired by Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Peter Japelj, Director General for Economic, Cultural and Scientific Diplomacy at Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

India-Slovenia: A Partnership That Has Quietly Gained Momentum

Over the past several years, bilateral trade between India and Slovenia has been on a steady rise. It’s a trend that doesn’t always make big headlines — but for industries, exporters, and emerging businesses, especially in manufacturing and technology, this growth signals opportunity.

Slovenia’s strategic location at the gateway of Central Europe makes it an attractive partner for India. The country serves as a bridge into European markets, while India, with its booming economy and deepening global engagement, offers Slovenia a fast-growing, tech-driven economic corridor.

Together, the two sides see geography not as a constraint but as an advantage — one that can help build greater connectivity, innovation exchange, and cross-border industry collaborations.

A Comprehensive Review of Trade, Economy, and Future Pathways

This session of JCTEC wasn’t just a routine diplomatic engagement. It served as a broad review of the current global and domestic economic environment, and a forward-looking conversation on how both nations can strengthen cooperation.

Discussions covered an extensive range of sectors:

• Agriculture

• Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

• Health

• Transport

• Energy

• Tourism

• MSME collaboration

• Ayurveda & traditional medicine systems

• Other trade and business-related matters

Each of these areas holds potential for fresh investments, technology exchange, and new-age business partnerships — especially relevant for India’s startup ecosystem, which increasingly collaborates with global markets.

Both sides also shared optimism for an early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) — a deal that could unlock significantly greater market access, reduce barriers, and catalyse trade corridors for businesses on both sides.

Bilateral Meetings to Deepen Cooperation

As part of the visit, Slovenia’s Peter Japelj also held a meeting with Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India, to further discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. These discussions underline the strategic focus both nations are placing on building not just trade relationships, but long-term economic alignment.

Setting the Stage for a Stronger India–Europe Connection

The 10th JCTEC ended on a note of confidence and commitment. India reaffirmed its intention to nurture a dynamic economic partnership with Slovenia — one grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and long-standing friendship.

As India positions itself as an innovation-driven, globally competitive economy, and Slovenia strengthens its role within Europe’s economic framework, the partnership offers compelling potential. From trade to technology, from mobility to medicine, the collaboration sets the stage for deeper engagement across Europe and India in the years ahead.