India-EU FTA will be a great enabler, says Goyal; pitches for stronger economic ties with Sweden
Stockholm [Sweden], June 11 (ANI): The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be a great enabler, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said, adding that India will be able to offer greater opportunities for Sweden.
Attending India-Sweden Business Delegation meetings in Stockholm, Union Minister Goyal said, India and Sweden complement each other.
'The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is clearly going to be a great enabler... We do hope to be able to offer you a better pathway and greater opportunities in the future... I can assure you that we are making good progress and are deeply committed to strengthening this partnership, working together.'
The Minister also highlighted India's growth prospects. 'Today, amongst all the investment opportunities available anywhere in the world, I dare say the market of 1.4 billion aspirational Indians can beat any other opportunity. When 1.4 billion Indians take one step forward, our country takes 1.4 billion steps forward. That is the spirit in which the Indian growth story is powering on,' said Goyal.
Inviting the business community to invest in India, Goyal further added, 'We would like to invite all the distinguished business leaders of Sweden to come to India to experience our country. I am sure this tested partnership can really grow beyond the frontiers of what we have achieved so far.'
With over 280 Swedish companies in India and 80+ Indian companies in Sweden, the potential for collaboration is immense.
H said the proposed India-EU FTA has huge potential.
'There's huge potential awaiting all of us. We complement each other. Sweden and India, working as friends, as trusted partners, can transform the Indian economy; the Indian growth story can support the Swedish plans for the future.'
Goyal said India is not only the largest and fastest-growing economy but it will continue to grow for the next 20-30 years. He highlighted that India has one of the lowest inflation rates and strong forex reserves. Citing the favourable business ecosystem, he appealed to the investor community to make investments in India.
Goyal reached Sweden after finishing his two-day official visit to Switzerland.
Apart from other engagements, he will engage with the Indian diaspora and address media interactions, further strengthening the people-to-people connections and communicating the vision for the India-Sweden partnership. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
20 minutes ago
- The Print
We are exploring pathways to reset ties: MEA on India-Canada relations
'Our prime minister had received a call from the Canadian prime minister last week. During the call, Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) to attend the G7 (meeting), and as you are aware, the invitation has been accepted,' he said. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query during his weekly media briefing. New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) Describing India and Canada as 'vibrant democracies', the external affairs ministry on Thursday said New Delhi believes the forthcoming meeting between the prime ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will offer an important opportunity to exchange views and 'explore pathways' to reset bilateral ties. The call was also an occasion for the two prime ministers to reflect or talk about India-Canada relations and how they can be taken forward, the MEA spokesperson said. Canada will be hosting the crucial G7 meeting later this month. The Group of Seven (G7) consists of seven of the world's advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the US, and the UK, as well as the European Union. Carney, an economist and political newcomer, took charge as Canada's new prime minister in March following the exit of Justin Trudeau from the top office. 'India and Canada are vibrant democracies, which are bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. And, of course, very vibrant people-to-people ties,' Jaiswal said. 'We believe that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Canada will offer an important opportunity for them to exchange views on bilateral and global issues, and explore pathways to set or reset the relationship, based on mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each other's concerns,' he said. Later in response to another query on the future trajectory of India-Canada ties, Jaiswal said, 'We are exploring pathways to reset ties. And, we will see, as to how we take things forward.' Modi got a call from the Canadian prime minister earlier this month. During the conversation, Modi had congratulated Carney on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit. 'The two leaders acknowledged the deep people-to-people ties between India and Canada and reaffirmed their commitment to work together with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests,' the MEA had said in a readout after the call. The ties between India and Canada came under severe strain following Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the 'potential' involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. New Delhi rejected Trudeau's charges as 'absurd'. The relations nosedived further in the second half of last year after Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats, including then High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, to the murder of Nijjar. In October last year, India withdrew Verma and five other diplomats. India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi. In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contacts, and both sides are looking at the possibility of appointing new high commissioners. The exit of Trudeau is being seen as an opportunity to improve the bilateral ties. Jaiswal, during the briefing, was also asked if law enforcement and transnational gangs operating in Canada would be raised during the meeting of the two leaders. 'There are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concerns over a period of time. This engagement is likely to continue,' he said. Asked if the issue of anti-India activities will come up in the discussion, he said, Anti-India activities, whether it is in Canada or anywhere else, 'we have made it very clear, and we expect our international partners to take into account our concerns and act accordingly'. The MEA spokesperson asserted that the 'reset' of the relationship is based on mutual respect, shared interests and sensitivity to each other's concerns. He underlined that India and Canada have expansive economic engagement, technology cooperation, and company investing on both sides, besides a big Indian student community in that country, so there is 'a lot that can be discussed for both countries to gain from each other's engagements'. PTI KND RHL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
20 minutes ago
- The Print
Air India plane had 1.25 lakh litres of fuel, intensity of flames made it impossible to save people—Amit Shah
Confirming details of the ill-fated flight, Shah added, 'This aircraft had a total of 230 passengers—both domestic and international—and 12 crew members on board. Among them, we have received the positive news that one passenger has survived. I have met him.' 'Air India flight number AI-171 has crashed. There is a possibility that many passengers died in this incident. The entire nation is in shock because of this tragic accident and stands united in deep solidarity with the families of those affected,' Shah said while addressing the media. New Delhi: Hours after the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad, Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Gujarat to take stock of the situation. The crash, which claimed the lives of nearly all 242 onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, marks one of the worst civil aviation disasters in India in over a decade. 'The official number of deceased will only be confirmed after DNA testing and identification by authorities. But yes, I have met the surviving passenger,' Shah said. He also said that both the Centre and the state government responded to the tragedy swiftly. 'Within just 10 minutes of the accident, the Government of India received information. I immediately got in touch with the chief minister, the home minister, the home department control room, the civil aviation department, and the civil aviation minister. The Prime Minister also called immediately.' Adding, 'All departments of the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat began coordinated relief and rescue operations without delay.' The survivor's story, though yet to be fully known, has emerged as a symbol of hope amid overwhelming loss. The rest of the rescue and recovery process, however, remains grim. The home minister detailed the coordinated multi-agency response initiated in the immediate aftermath. 'Immediately after the incident, the Gujarat government activated all disaster management units—be it the health department, the fire brigade, or the police department…also coordinated with the CAPF. All agencies worked together to begin relief and rescue operations,' he said. Yet, the intensity of the fire left by the crash was a near-insurmountable barrier. 'Since there were over 1.25 lakh litres of fuel in the aircraft, the temperature rose to such extreme levels that there was no opportunity to rescue anyone,' he explained. After visiting the crash site, Shah offered a situational update: 'The task of retrieving the deceased bodies of the passengers is nearly complete. DNA collection from family members who have already arrived here will be completed in two to three hours.' Efforts to notify and involve next of kin overseas have also been completed, he said, adding, 'For passengers with relatives abroad, information has already been conveyed. Once they arrive, their DNA samples will also be collected. DNA collection from the recovered bodies is also complete.' Shah underscored that Gujarat is equipped to handle the task. 'Around 1,000 DNA tests will need to be conducted here in Gujarat itself. Gujarat has the capacity to conduct all these tests, so there is no need to send samples outside the state. Gujarat's Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Science University will together complete the testing as quickly as possible, so that the bodies can be handed over to the families.' Apart from identification, the human cost of the tragedy is being addressed through logistical and medical support. 'All arrangements have been made for accommodation, emotional support, and medical care for those who are experiencing trauma or distress due to the tragedy,' he said. A review meeting held earlier in the day helped assess ongoing operations, Shah pointed out. 'In today's review meeting, all the ministers jointly examined the arrangements. The aviation Department has started its investigation. The civil aviation minister has also assured that the inquiry will move forward quickly.' Recognizing the efforts of first responders, Shah added, 'Once again, I want to thank all the agencies involved in rescue and relief for their swift response.' Shah further said that accidents cannot be prevented entirely. 'I must say this—accidents cannot be prevented entirely. But the readiness of an administration is truly tested in moments like this. And today, Gujarat's disaster management preparedness, though tested under tragic circumstances, has proven itself. The efficiency and speed with which the teams have worked have been seen not only by the nation but also by the media and the grieving families.' (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: 'Goodbye India. Will make a proper vlog on whole trip'—British national killed in Air India crash
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Loss of cargo: After ‘arrest', owner deposits 6cr, Kerala HC allows ship's release
Kochi: High court on Thursday directed the Vizhinjam port authorities to arrest the ship MSC MANASA F, a sister vessel of MSC ELSA 3, which capsized and sank off the Kerala coast on May 25, until an amount of Rs 6 crore is deposited towards the claim raised by three cashew importing companies for losses suffered due to the shipwreck. The order was issued by Justice Abdul Hakhim in response to petitions filed by Saji Surendran of Mangalathu Cashews, R Rajendran of RRR Enterprises and representatives of J J Trading Company. All three petitioners are members of the Cashew Export Promotion Council. In the order, HC clarified that if the shipping company produces a demand draft for Rs 6 crore, the vessel MSC MANASA F may be permitted to leave the territorial waters of the state. Following the court's direction in the Admiralty suits, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co SA), the owner/operator of the vessel, submitted the demand draft for the said amount to the HC by the afternoon. Accordingly, the court permitted the release of the vessel and adjourned the Admiralty suit for further hearing on the compensation claim to July 15. The petitioner companies, based in Kollam, stated in their pleas that they had purchased dried raw cashew nuts from a trading company in Dubai, which were shipped in containers bound for Tuticorin port. According to the petitioners, the consignments were expected to arrive at Tuticorin on May 24 aboard MSC ELSA 3. However, the Indian agent of the shipping company informed them via email on May 28 that the vessel had sunk on May 25 en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi, resulting in the total loss of cargo. This led the companies to file Admiralty suits seeking compensation. Mangalathu Cashews, RRR Enterprises, and J J Trading Company raised claims of Rs 1.54 crore, Rs 1.63 crore, and Rs 1.58 crore, respectively, along with interest at 18% per annum. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
