During the meeting, Foreign Minister Tsahkna noted that the agreement reached earlier this year on the text of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement is a development of significant geopolitical importance. Concluding the agreement will strengthen the vital ties between the European Union and India in a challenging global environment. “We greatly appreciate the role played by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry in reaching this agreement. India has become an important strategic partner for both Estonia and the European Union. Estonia can open up new opportunities for India to expand economic cooperation across the European Union, for example through our e-Residency programme, which enables Indian entrepreneurs to establish and manage an EU-based company entirely online,” Tsahkna said.
The Estonian and Indian ministers also discussed geopolitical issues whose impact is being felt strongly in the global economy. Tsahkna stressed that Russia’s war against Ukraine affects global security and the world economy, not just Europe. “Developing relations with major powers such as India contributes to sustained support for Ukraine in order to achieve a just and lasting peace. Estonia considers it essential to continue efforts to reduce the revenues that finance Russia’s war machine,” the Foreign Minister said.
According to Tsahkna, Ukraine’s reconstruction will be Europe’s largest economic project over the coming decade, and the support of global partners will be crucial to its success. The Foreign Minister encouraged India to play a greater role in Ukraine’s reconstruction and invited the country to participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will take place in Tallinn in January 2027.
Minister Goyal is accompanied on his visit by a delegation of around 30 Indian business representatives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the Estonia–India Business Forum to identify new opportunities for cooperation, establish business contacts and promote commercial ties between Estonia and India.
“Meeting representatives of India’s business community provides a strong foundation for diversifying Estonia’s trade relations, promoting investment and exchanging expertise. That is precisely why we organise business seminars focusing on different markets, and it is a great honour that Minister Goyal also took part in today’s Estonia–India Business Forum,” Tsahkna said, adding that in the current security environment it is important for Estonian businesses to develop trade relations globally.
