EU–India Strategic Partnership:
Building a Trusted Partnership for Shared Growth, Security and Global Leadership

Conference – 5 October 2026, 15:00 - 17:30 PM CET
Registration with Refreshments & Networking 14:00 PM
The Atrium (6th Floor), European Economic and Social Committee (Rue Belliard 99/101, 1040 Bruxelles)
The European Union and India are deepening their strategic partnership at a time of profound geopolitical and economic transformation. From trade and investment to digital innovation, clean technologies, connectivity, security, resilient supply chains, and skills, both partners have complementary strengths that can drive sustainable growth and reinforce a rules-based international order. This event will explore how the EU and India can unlock the full potential of their partnership, strengthen economic resilience, and jointly address global challenges while creating new opportunities for businesses, trade, citizens, and civil society. Together, the EU and India can build a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive partnership that delivers lasting economic, social, and strategic benefits for both regions.

  • Welcome Speech

    Séamus Boland

    President, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

  • EU-India: Building a Trusted Partnership

    H.E. Pranay Verma

    Ambassador of India to Belgium, EU and Luxembourg

    H.E. Jean-Eric Paquet

    Ambassador of the European Union to India

  • Panel 1: Setting the Direction:
    EU–India Partnership in a Changing Global Landscape

    Ben Butters

    CEO of Eurochambres

    Stefan Louis

    CEO at Simmol

    Darya Galperina

    Director International Public Affairs, Pernod Ricard

    Dharmesh Gandhi

    CEO, Dia9 bv / Chairman Antwerp Indian association

  • Moderation

    Srita Heide

    Chair of Global Business & Trade at SME Connect

  • Panel 2: Shaping the Future:
    Cross-Sector Perspectives on EU–India Cooperation

    Bernard Lombard

    Trade & Industrial Policy Director at Cepi – Confederation of European Paper Industries

    Pauline Bastidon

    Director Competitiveness & Trade at spiritsEUROPE

    Dirk Vantyghem

    Director General at EURATEX – European Apparel and Textile Confederation

  • Moderation

    Srita Heide

    Chair of Global Business & Trade at SME Connect

  • Q&A

  • Panel 3 & Closing: The EU–India Partnership:
    A Foresight Perspective

    Monika Bylaite

    Deputy Head of Division for South Asia, EEAS

    Frank Geerkens

    Former Ambassador & Consul General of Belgium

    Srita Heide

    Strategic Leadership Advisor

  • Moderation

    Horst Heitz

    Chair of the Steering Committee of SME Connect

  • Q&A with participants: an interactive session - moderated by Dr. Horst Heitz

  • Vote of Thanks

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