Piyush Goyal meets Scotland’s John Swinney and Chile’s Eduardo Frei to deepen trade ties

Piyush Goyal meets Scotland’s John Swinney and Chile’s Eduardo Frei to deepen trade ties

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney in New Delhi and, later, former Chilean President Eduardo Frei. The two‑hour series of discussions focused on turning existing trade frameworks into new business opportunities for Indian exporters and foreign investors.

Leveraging the India‑UK CETA with Scotland

Goyal and Swinney agreed to push sectors that sit at the heart of India’s technology roadmap – semiconductors, renewable energy and data‑centre infrastructure. "The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement gives us almost full‑duty‑free access to the UK market," the minister said, noting that the deal covers roughly 99 % of Indian exports to Britain. Both sides also flagged cooperation in higher education, space research and tourism, signalling a broader, innovation‑led partnership.

Fast‑track CEPA talks with Chile

In the meeting with Eduardo Frei, Goyal outlined India’s priorities under the pending Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile, which officials aim to finalize by the end of 2026. The CEPA is expected to open a reliable supply chain for critical and strategic minerals – lithium, copper and rare‑earths – that are vital for India’s renewable‑energy transition and defence manufacturing. "Chile’s mineral wealth is a strategic asset for India’s growth story," Goyal remarked.

Investment opportunities and next steps

Both delegations pledged to organise sector‑specific road‑shows in the coming months. A joint India‑Scotland task force will draft a roadmap for semiconductor fab collaborations, while a India‑Chile working group will map out investment pipelines in mining, agribusiness and renewable‑energy projects. Goyal underscored that the meetings are part of a wider government drive to translate trade pacts into on‑the‑ground projects, reinforcing India’s reputation as a stable, investment‑friendly market.

Why the focus matters now

India’s trade agenda is increasingly diversified. While the government continues to deepen ties with traditional partners, the outreach to Scotland and Chile illustrates a strategic push into high‑tech and mineral‑rich economies. The minister’s itinerary, which also includes planned visits to Germany and the Netherlands later this month, signals a coordinated effort to position India at the centre of global supply chains.

Looking ahead

The Ministry of Commerce will publish detailed memoranda of understanding with both Scotland and Chile within the next quarter. Industry bodies have been invited to submit proposals for joint ventures, and senior officials from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade will monitor implementation to ensure that the promised market access translates into measurable export growth.