EU India Leaders Conference 2023, the 28th conference of business meet series, was held on 5th July 2023. The the morning session was held at AWEX Wallonia's office in Brussels and the afternoon session at the European Parliament in Brussels. The morning session at AWEX centered on enlightening the visiting Indian delegation about the promising business opportunities available in Wallonia, offering them comprehensive information to support their endeavors. AWEX (The Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency) is a public interest organisation in charge of the promotion of foreign trade and the attraction of foreign investments for Wallonia in Belgium. The afternoon session held at the European Parliament proved to be a platform for engaging and insightful discussions on crucial topics. These discussions encompassed significant areas such as the ongoing EU-India Free Trade Agreement, collaborative endeavors between India and the EU in the realm of Electric Vehicles and Battery Supply Chains, and the notable progress, as well as the challenges, encountered in EU-India Textile Cooperation. Adding to the event's significance, the esteemed EuropeIndia40 leaders were honored during this session as they received their well-deserved certificates from Mr. Niccolo Rinaldi, Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union/ Head of Unit for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand at the European Parliament. Additionally, attendees witnessed the release of the thought-provoking book titled "Operation Ganga" authored by IAS officer Tarun Pithode, which narrates the inspiring tale of rescuing Indian students from Ukraine. Furthermore, the conference saw the unveiling of the EU India Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Relations Report. This report sheds light on the thriving ICT cooperation between India and the European Union, underscoring the immense potential for further collaboration in this field. These releases contributed to the conference's overall richness and offered valuable insights into various aspects of the India-EU partnership.

1. AWEX - European Parliament, Brussels
EU INDIA LEADERS CONFERENCE 2023
Wednesday, 5th July, 2023
Delegates gathered at the European Parliament and AWEX in Brussels
during the EU India Leaders Conference 2023
Post Meet Report

2. Conference snapshot
The EU India Leaders Conference 2023, the 28th conference of business meet series,
was held on 5th July 2023. The morning session was held at AWEX Wallonia's office in
Brussels and the afternoon session at the European Parliament in Brussels.
EU India Leaders Conference 2023 follows the hosting of 27 major business summits in
the Europe (24 summits at the British Parliament in London/ other locations in UK and 3
summits at the European Parliament in Brussels/ other locations in Belgium), whereby
EICBI & its delivery partners have engaged more than 3370 delegates from 2300
companies.
The morning session at AWEX centered on enlightening the visiting Indian delegation
about the promising business opportunities available in Wallonia, offering them
comprehensive information to support their endeavors. AWEX (The Walloon Export and
Foreign Investment Agency) is a public interest organisation in charge of the promotion of
foreign trade and the attraction of foreign investments for Wallonia in Belgium.
The afternoon session held at the European Parliament proved to be a platform for
engaging and insightful discussions on crucial topics. These discussions encompassed
significant areas such as the ongoing EU-India Free Trade Agreement, collaborative
endeavors between India and the EU in the realm of Electric Vehicles and Battery Supply
Chains, and the notable progress, as well as the challenges, encountered in EU-India
Textile Cooperation. Adding to the event's significance, the esteemed EuropeIndia40
leaders were honored during this session as they received their well-deserved certificates
from Mr. Niccolo Rinaldi, Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union/ Head of
Unit for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand at the European Parliament. Additionally,
attendees witnessed the release of the thought-provoking book titled "Operation Ganga"
authored by IAS officer Tarun Pithode, which narrates the inspiring tale of rescuing Indian
students from Ukraine. Furthermore, the conference saw the unveiling of the EU India
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Relations Report. This report sheds light
on the thriving ICT cooperation between India and the European Union, underscoring the
immense potential for further collaboration in this field. These releases contributed to the
conference's overall richness and offered valuable insights into various aspects of the
India-EU partnership.

3. PROGRAMME SUMMARY
Following Ms. Ulkina's introduction, Sujit S
Nair, the Chairman of Europe India Centre
for Business and Industry (EICBI), took the
stage to provide an overview of EICBI's
mission and initiatives. Mr. Nair emphasized
the organization's dedication to
strengthening bilateral ties between India
and the European Union, particularly in the
context of fostering business and industry
collaborations. His introduction showcased
the pivotal role played by EICBI in
facilitating dialogues, promoting trade, and
driving mutually beneficial partnerships
between the two regions. Joel Fernandes,
Project and Policy Advisor at EuroChambres,
The morning session at the EU India Leaders
Conference began with an informative
introduction by Evgeniya Ulkina, the Area
Manager India - Inward Investment South
Asia & Oceania at AWEX. Ms. Ulkina
provided valuable insights into AWEX
(Wallonia Export-Investment Agency),
shedding light on its role and significance in
fostering economic growth and facilitating
investment opportunities in Belgium-
Wallonia. Her introduction set the stage for
the session, highlighting the agency's
expertise and commitment to promoting
business relations between India and
Belgium-Wallonia.
then presented on the India IP SME Helpdesk, a project funded by the European
Commission. Joel elucidated the project's objective of providing free advice on intellectual
property to EU companies seeking to invest in India. Given the prominence of intellectual
property rights in the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, his presentation offered valuable
insights to participants, highlighting the significance of IP protection and fostering
innovation in the bilateral trade relationship.
AWEX session

4. investment opportunities and discussed key
sectors for collaboration. His presentation
provided attendees with valuable insights
into the diverse and promising economic
landscape of Belgium-Wallonia.
Mr Ujwal Kawale, Head Of Project
Management at John Cockerill, shared
detailed information and personal
experiences of a Belgian company actively
involved in business operations in India. His
presentation offered valuable insights into
the nuances of doing business in India,
covering aspects such as market dynamics,
challenges, and successful strategies. This
The visiting Indian delegation also had the
opportunity to provide an introduction,
further enhancing the exchange of ideas
and perspectives. Their participation added
a significant dimension to the session,
showcasing the commitment and interest of
Indian stakeholders in strengthening
economic ties with Belgium-Wallonia and the
wider European Union. Mr Alphi Cartuyvels,
Senior Executive of Public and Corporate
Affairs at AWEX, then delivered a
comprehensive presentation on the
economic potential of Belgium-Wallonia.
With in-depth knowledge and expertise, Mr.
Cartuyvels highlighted the region's attractive
firsthand account enriched the session, providing participants with practical insights and
fostering a deeper understanding of cross-border business operations. In a reciprocal
manner, Ms Valerie Smits, Head - Innovation Center at PCBL Limited, presented on behalf
of an Indian company with a strong presence in Belgium. Her presentation highlighted the
company's experiences, achievements, and challenges in conducting business in Belgium,
offering participants a unique perspective on Indian companies' engagement in the Belgian
market.
The morning session culminated with a networking lunch, providing a conducive
environment for further discussions, collaborations, and relationship-building opportunities.
This informal setting allowed participants to connect, exchange ideas, and forge valuable
connections, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enabling the exploration of potential
partnerships.

5. PROGRAMME SUMMARY
Expressing deep gratitude, Mr. Nair took a
moment to acknowledge and felicitate the
esteemed leaders who played instrumental
roles in organizing the EU India Leaders
Conference 2023. Their unwavering
dedication and efforts were instrumental in
bringing together this distinguished
gathering, and their commitment to
strengthening the bilateral relationship
between Europe and India was
commendable. The felicitation served as a
token of appreciation for their significant
contributions, setting a tone of gratitude
and respect that resonated throughout the
conference.
Mr. Sujit S. Nair, Chairperson of Europe India
Centre for Business and Industry (EICBI),
warmly greeted the attendees and extended
a heartfelt welcome to the EU India Leaders
Conference 2023. In his opening remarks,
Mr. Nair provided a concise overview of the
impactful work undertaken by EICBI,
highlighting its commitment to fostering
stronger business and industry relations
between Europe and India. He then
proceeded to outline the agenda for the
European Parliament session of the
conference, setting the stage for the
engaging discussions and fruitful exchanges
to come.
The first panel discussion kicked off with an engaging panel discussion on "An overview of
EU-India trade relationship," expertly moderated by Councillor Aarien Areti, the Vice Chair
-Govt relations of EICBI and an esteemed government relations professional. The panel
consisted of distinguished speakers who brought diverse perspectives to the table,
including Dr. Vijay Mehta, a member of the National Executive of the Foreign Affairs
Department - UK & EU, BJP; Mr. B Lakshmi Kantham, rtd IAS officer/ former District
Collector of the Govt of India; Mr. Charles-Antoine Janssen, Managing Partner at KOIS;
Mr. Michael Saxl ofEuropean Policy Department of the Austrian Federal Economic
Chamber; and Mr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization.
European Parliament session

6. equipping attendees with a deeper
understanding of the regulatory environment
and inspiring new avenues for collaboration.
The session was skillfully moderated by
Councillor Aarien Areti, who ensured a
dynamic and engaging discussion. Some of
the thought-provoking topics covered during
the panel included the significant
milestones in EU-India trade relations, the
trade policies that India and the EU should
implement to shape their trade relations, the
potential impact of a permanent Indian
mission in the EU, India's role in transforming
the European tech landscape, and the
necessary policy changes in India to
The panel discussion delved into the vast
potential for trade and economic
cooperation between Europe and India,
exploring avenues for enhancing bilateral
trade, fostering investment, and establishing
sustainable business partnerships. Dr. Vijay
Mehta's insights on foreign affairs and
diplomacy shed light on the geopolitical
dynamics and emphasized the importance of
building strong diplomatic ties between
Europe and India. Mr. B Lakshmi Kantham,
Mr. Charles-Antoine Janssen, and Mr.
Michael Saxl provided valuable perspectives
on the regulatory landscape and policy
frameworks governing business interactions,
structure impactful blended finance instruments.
The panel discussion provided valuable insights and set the stage for further exploration of
trade and economic opportunities between Europe and India, igniting a spirit of
collaboration and partnership among the conference attendees.
The conference continued with a special moment as the EuropeIndia40 leaders were
honored and presented with their well-deserved certifications. The EuropeIndia40 initiative,
curated by EICBI, annually recognizes the top under-40 leaders in the India-EU and India-
UK corridors.

7. Amid much anticipation, the EU India
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) Relations Report was officially
launched. This comprehensive report,
spanning approximately 6000 words, delves
into the realm of ICT cooperation between
India and the European Union (EU),
shedding light on the immense prospects for
enhanced collaboration. With a particular
focus on areas such as Digital Public
nfrastructure (DPI), semiconductors, and
data protection and governance, the report
emphasizes the potential synergies between
India and the EU in driving innovation and
growth.
EuropeIndia40 leaders are those who
contribute to their area of work and create
an impact in building stronger connections in
the India EU / India UK corridor. The first
listing of leaders was released in 2019, and
then in subsequent years, the list has been
released annually. The 2022 class of
EuropeIndia40 leaders, which was initially
announced during a virtual ceremony on 9th
December, comprises 14 exceptional women
and 14 accomplished men, representing 16
different nationalities and hailing from
diverse backgrounds. A few of the leaders
travelled to Brussels to receive their
certificate and participate in the
conference.
One of the most definite moments in the India EU corridor over the years has been the
Operation Ganga, which resulted in the rescue of Indian students from Ukraine. Operation
Ganga stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Indian diaspora in
Europe to their fellow citizens in distress. Despite being miles away from their homeland,
they rallied together, offering support, resources, and assistance in whatever way they
could. Their dedication and tireless efforts bridged the gap between continents, bringing
the Indian community in Europe closer than ever to the Government of India and the
families affected by the crisis.

8. The conference proceeded with the
enlightening second panel discussion, which
centered around the vital subject of India-
EU cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV)
and battery supply chains. Facilitated by Mr.
Tom Moerenhout, a Senior Associate of the
International Institute for Sustainable
Development (IISD), this session featured
the expertise of distinguished speakers who
shared their insights and perspectives. Ms.
Varda Taneja, Vice President of Invest India,
along with industry experts such as Ms.
Valerie Smits, Head - Innovation Center at
PCBL Limited, and Mr. Mohit Tyagi, Technical
Affairs Director of the European Automobile
The conference witnessed the unveiling of a
book which chronicles the compelling
narrative of the students' plight in war-torn
Ukraine and their arduous journeys, as well
as the crucial role played by the Government
of India and countless Indians in rescuing
and assisting them during these challenging
times. The book authored by Shri Tarun
Kumar Pithode, a distinguished Senior Civil
Servant from India. Titled "Operation
Ganga: Diary of a Public Servant," serves as
a testament to the indomitable spirit of
humanity and the power of collective efforts.
These significant milestones in the
conference underscored the commitment
Manufacturers Association, led a captivating dialogue on the topic. During the discussion,
the panelists addressed thought-provoking questions from the audience, highlighting the
significance of Jammu and Kashmir's lithium reserves and their potential impact on the
global economy. This session aimed to shed light on various aspects related to India's EV
and battery ecosystem and its development in the short-to-medium term. The panelists
and dedication of the attendees towards strengthening the bond between Europe and
India. The EuropeIndia40 leaders' recognition, the insightful ICT Relations Report, and the
impactful book on Operation Ganga showcased the incredible achievements and the
potential for future collaboration between the two regions.

9. explored the type of technology partnerships
that Indian automobile manufacturers are
seeking with EU companies to expedite the
electrification of transportation. Additionally,
they discussed the investment and industrial
policies that can enhance India's appeal for
European investors and companies
operating in the EV and battery sectors. The
potential for cooperation in the realm of
plug-in hybrids was also examined,
considering its relevance and viability in the
Indian context. Furthermore, the session
explored avenues for the EU to integrate
India more extensively into the global supply
chains of critical minerals and battery
components.
These insightful discussions showcased the commitment and collective efforts of both India
and the EU in advancing sustainable transportation and fostering innovation in the EV and
battery sectors. The panelists' expertise and the engagement of the audience contributed
to a productive and informative session, paving the way for further collaboration and
mutual growth in these critical areas.
The final panel discussion revolved
around the exciting prospects of EU-
India textile cooperation and the
potential for a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) between the two regions. Skillfully
moderated by Mr. Pratik Gadia,
Founder and CEO of The Yarn Bazaar,
and Dr. Amit Lath, CEO of the Sharda
Group of Companies, this session
brought together esteemed panelists
who shared valuable insights. The
panelists included Mr. Dirk Vantghem,
Director General of EURATEX, Mr.
Sanjay Jain, Chairman of the ICC
Textile Committee, Dr. Lalit Shyaam
Tekchandani, Co-founder of
buffering.in and Mr. Bhadresh Dodhia, Chairman of the Synthetic & Rayon Textile Export
Promotion Council. Throughout the discussion, the panelists explored the immense
opportunities for collaboration and growth in the textile sector between Europe and India.

10. Further, industry leaders emphasized that a policy alignment in industry-related laws will
help create a level playing field and reduce discrepancies. The panelists also examined
how joint design and innovation initiatives between India and European textile associations
can facilitate technology transfer, skill development, and knowledge exchange, ultimately
driving sustainable growth, job creation, and global competitiveness for both regions. The
importance of quality control and assurance throughout the textile supply chain was
highlighted, as it contributes to building a reputation of reliability and excellence for Indian
and European textile manufacturers in the global market. The discussion concluded with
insights into how collaboration between Indian and European textile manufacturers,
supported by rigorous quality standards and certifications, can enhance product
The conversation focused on key points
such as the role of an EU-India FTA in
enhancing cooperation between textile
companies, the challenges associated
with negotiations, and the need to
address issues related to tariff reduction,
rules of origin, and non-tariff barriers.
Furthermore, the discussion delved into the
establishment of policies and incentives
that promote technology transfer and
research collaboration in textile design
and innovation, thereby fostering a vibrant
ecosystem of cross-border innovation.
Experts discussed the inclusion of a zero-
duty policy for textiles within the the
proposed FTA to foster mutual growth.
consistency and reliability, enabling both
regions to capture a larger share of the global
textile market.
These discussions underscored the significance
of EU-India textile cooperation. The expertise
and perspectives shared by the panelists
provided valuable insights into the
opportunities and challenges involved, setting
the stage for further collaboration and growth
in the textile industry.
The sessions were moderated by MrAbhishek
Tripathi, EICBI Vice Chair for Events

11. In conclusion, the Europe India Leaders Conference 2023 was a remarkable
event that brought together leaders, experts, and industry professionals from
the European Union and India. It served as a platform for collaboration,
knowledge sharing, and networking, enabling attendees to explore new
opportunities, gain valuable insights, and strengthen their connections within
the EU-India corridor.
The conference featured influential speakers who shared their expertise,
engaging sessions that delved into key topics and challenges, and networking
opportunities that fostered meaningful interactions and partnerships.
Attendees were equipped with practical tips and strategies to maximize their
conference experience, leveraging it as a transformative opportunity for
personal and professional growth
The impact of the conference extended beyond the event itself, with its
outcomes resonating in both the EU and India. By promoting dialogue,
highlighting opportunities, and inspiring change, EILC 2023 played a
significant role in shaping the future of EU-India relations. The connections
forged, knowledge gained, and insights shared during the conference will
contribute to fostering stronger collaborations, driving innovation, and creating
sustainable growth between the two regions.
As we reflect on the success of the Europe India Leaders Conference 2023,
we acknowledge the importance of continued engagement, follow-up actions,
and building upon the momentum generated. The conference served as a
catalyst for positive change and further deepened the bond between the
European Union and India. With the knowledge and inspiration gained from
this exceptional gathering, we are confident that attendees will continue to
make a lasting impact in their respective fields, contributing to the growth and
prosperity of both regions.
Conclusion
We extend our sincere appreciation to all the participants, speakers and supporters who
made EILC 2023 a resounding success. Your active participation, insights, and commitment
to fostering EU-India relations have set the stage for a brighter future of collaboration and
mutual success. We look forward to future endeavors and continued partnerships that will
further strengthen the bond between the European Union and India.

12. Important Disclaimer:
Important please note: This report is for guidance only and has been
prepared in good faith to give a fair overall view of the meet and is
believed to be correct at the date of publication.
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protected by copyright and/or design right owned by Europe India Centre
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