India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade Reviews Bilateral Partnership

Slovenian Ambassador Stanislav Vidovič along with his wife Ljiljana Vidovič and Chairman of Europe India Centre for Business and Industry, Sujit S Nair

The 10th Session of the India–Slovenia Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) convened in New Delhi, bringing together delegations from both nations to assess their growing economic partnership and identify new avenues for collaboration. The meeting, held under the co-chairmanship of Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary of 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, reflected the commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral ties built on shared values and mutual trust. The gathering also included prominent figures such as Slovenian Ambassador Stanislav Vidovič and Sujit S Nair, Chairman of Europe India Centre for Business and Industry (EICBI) underscoring the high-level participation of business and diplomatic leaders in advancing the partnership.

Bilateral Trade Momentum

India and Slovenia have demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory in bilateral trade over recent years, signalling the resilience and depth of their economic relationship. The two nations recognized Slovenia's strategic location at the crossroads of Central Europe and India's expanding engagement with the continent as complementary strengths. This geographic convergence presents a natural foundation for enhancing cooperation in technology, innovation, and connectivity, areas increasingly vital to global commerce.​

Comprehensive Sectoral Engagement

The 10th JCTEC undertook a thorough review of bilateral economic engagement and assessed the global and domestic economic landscape affecting both countries. Discussions encompassed a broad range of sectors reflecting the multifaceted nature of the partnership. The delegations explored cooperation opportunities in agriculture, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, health, transport, energy, tourism, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, featured prominently in sectoral discussions, underscoring both nations' interest in preserving and promoting traditional knowledge alongside modern economic cooperation.​

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Optimism

A significant focus of the deliberations centred on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both delegations expressed optimism for the early conclusion of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, recognizing its potential to expand market opportunities for businesses across the two regions and facilitate deeper economic linkages. The FTA represents a cornerstone of India's broader strategy to deepen its engagement with Europe and advance shared interests in technology and sustainable development.​

Geospatial Cooperation Initiative

On the sidelines of the bilateral Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a notable development emerged in technical collaboration. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Survey of India and the Surveying and Mapping Authority of Slovenia, marking the beginning of cooperation in geospatial technology. This MoU facilitates the exchange of expertise and knowledge in mapping technologies and geospatial solutions, reflecting both nations' commitment to advancing innovation and technical partnerships beyond traditional trade sectors.​

Reinforcing Partnership

During the visit, Peter Japelj held substantive discussions with Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary of India, on strengthening the bilateral relationship and identifying additional opportunities for economic cooperation. The 10th JCTEC reaffirmed India's commitment to nurturing a dynamic economic partnership with Slovenia, grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and enduring friendship, laying foundation for deeper collaboration across Europe and India.