What happened
On November 4, 2025, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada met Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Toiu in Bucharest to discuss expanding trade, investment, and resilient supply chains under the broader India-EU framework. Both sides agreed to work toward concluding a fair and balanced India-EU Free Trade Agreement within the year and reviewed bilateral trade, which reached nearly USD 3 billion in FY 2023–24. The talks also focused on developing skills-based mobility pathways, with plans to enable up to 30,000 Indian professionals to work in Romania annually, alongside cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
Why it matters to India
The meeting reinforces India’s growing engagement with Eastern Europe and its strategic goal of strengthening trade and labour mobility within the EU. Deepening economic and skills partnerships with Romania not only diversifies India’s European outreach but also supports its manufacturing and technology ambitions. The collaboration aligns with India’s broader push for resilient global supply chains, trusted partnerships, and expanded opportunities for its skilled workforce in key global markets.