EU Chambers Marks 34 Years of Strengthening Ties

The Council of EU Chambers of Commerce in India celebrated its 34th Foundation Day alongside the prestigious EU-India Business Excellence Awards 2026. Held at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, the grand event highlighted more than three decades of institutional efforts aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and strategic economic partnerships between India and the European Union.

A Distinguished Gathering

The high-profile celebration attracted a stellar gathering of diplomats, government officials, corporate executives, and industry pioneers. The proceedings commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp.

Dr. Rajesh Gawande, Chief Protocol Officer of the Government of Maharashtra, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Joining him as Guests of Honour were Erik af Hällström, Consul General of Finland, and Sven Östberg, Consul General of Sweden.

Delivering the welcome address, EU Chambers President Rajeev Sharma reflected on the Chamber's historical journey. A special audiovisual presentation showcased the organisation’s 34-year legacy in driving commercial dialogue and breaking down bilateral trade barriers.

Mapping Future Growth and Investment

The evening’s discussions focused heavily on emerging global economic shifts and mutual opportunities. The Consuls General of Finland and Sweden outlined expanding prospects for Indian companies in European markets, emphasizing innovation, environmental transition strategies, and the transformative potential of a future EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

In his keynote address, Dr. Gawande underscored Maharashtra’s positioning as a premier destination for European capital. He highlighted the state's robust infrastructure, artificial intelligence ecosystems, and renewable energy transitions as primary avenues for deep bilateral collaboration.

Celebrating Business Excellence

A central highlight of the evening was the presentation of the EU-India Business Excellence Awards 2026. Evaluated by knowledge partner B-cube Consulting alongside an independent jury, companies were scored across four critical pillars: value creation, innovation, sustainability, and employee engagement.

The awards spanned multiple sectors, from banking and manufacturing to logistics and hospitality. Allcargo Group walked away with the night's top honor as the Overall Winner, while thyssenkrupp Uhde India Private Limited was named Overall Runner-Up. Former Chamber presidents were also honored for their foundational leadership.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Senior Vice President Robin Banerjee, followed by a vibrant cultural dance performance curated by renowned choreographer Sandip Soparrkar. A networking dinner capped off the celebration, providing business leaders and diplomats an exclusive forum to discuss future cross-border ventures.