Sitharaman, EU Commissioner Dombrovskis Discuss FTA, AI and Critical Minerals

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman met Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Financial Affairs, on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting in Asheville.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman met H.E. Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Financial Affairs, European Commission, on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting, in Asheville, today.… pic.twitter.com/Xp9vaOU3JB

— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 1, 2026

The meeting focused on further deepening the India–EU Economic and Financial Partnership, including through the India–EU macroeconomic dialogue and the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

Sitharaman and Dombrovskis also reviewed ongoing negotiations on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Protection Agreement, reaffirming their commitment to taking the engagements forward.

The two sides exchanged views on strengthening resilient and diversified supply chains, with discussions covering cooperation in critical raw materials and technologies. Sitharaman highlighted that India’s focus should extend beyond sourcing critical minerals to developing domestic processing and value-addition capabilities.

The meeting also explored opportunities for greater India–EU cooperation in FinTech, artificial intelligence and generative AI, including stronger engagement between Indian and European startups.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India–EU partnership and advancing shared economic, technological and strategic priorities.