First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Karel Havlíček, met BEML Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Roy at the company's headquarters in Bangalore to explore opportunities for deeper industrial and technological cooperation between India and the Czech Republic.

The meeting formed part of Havlíček's four-day visit to India and included a high-level Czech delegation. Discussions centred on strengthening industry-to-industry partnerships, advanced manufacturing initiatives and technology collaboration between businesses in both countries.

During the interaction, Roy outlined BEML's expanding capabilities across defence, aerospace and advanced engineering. He highlighted the company's focus on indigenous technology development, engineering excellence, innovation-driven growth and globally competitive manufacturing capabilities.

Havlíček provided an overview of the Czech Republic's industrial ecosystem and emerging business opportunities. He highlighted the country's strengths in precision engineering, machine tools, automotive components, industrial machinery, transport technologies and applied research.

Both sides discussed the scope for combining Czech industrial expertise with India's rapidly expanding manufacturing and technology base. Particular attention was given to Karnataka's priority sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, advanced engineering and technology.

The engagement also examined opportunities for closer cooperation between businesses, technology providers and industrial partners from both countries, leveraging complementary strengths to create new commercial opportunities and support innovation-led growth.

The visit reflected the growing momentum in India-Czech economic and technological relations and underscored the potential for stronger partnerships between advanced engineering enterprises in the two nations.

The Czech delegation included Kateřina Gajzurová, Director of the Minister's Office; Marie Chatardová, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Katerina Vovkova, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai; Katerina Petersen, Chargé d'affaires at the Czech Embassy in New Delhi; along with representatives from ministries and leading Czech companies.

Earlier in Bangalore, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar encouraged Czech companies to expand investments beyond the state capital into other districts. He identified energy, automobile components, electric vehicles, aerospace, defence, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing as key areas for future cooperation.

Separately, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Havlíček in New Delhi to discuss enhancing bilateral trade, investment, economic cooperation and technology partnerships.

As part of his India visit, Havlíček has been engaging with government ministries, industry representatives and businesses. Following his engagements in Bangalore, he is scheduled to travel to Mumbai to visit industrial establishments and continue discussions aimed at strengthening economic and industrial ties between the two countries.

ANI