Building A Stronger Economic Growth
Ambassador of Latvia to India
Latvia, a vibrant hub of innovation and sustainability in Northern Europe, is deepening its partnership with India through trade, education, culture, and green collaboration.
Ancient Links, Modern Ties
Though separated by distance, Latvia and India share historic connections via the Amber Way, a trade route that once linked Baltic amber traders to India. The Latvian language, part of the Indo-European family, shows notable similarities to Sanskrit, underscoring cultural resonance. Modern diplomacy has strengthened ties, with Latvia opening its embassy in New Delhi in 2014 and India establishing one in Riga in 2024. Regular exchanges of visits and dialogues continue to enrich this partnership.
Expanding Economic Horizon
Economic cooperation has grown significantly. In 2024, Latvia’s foreign trade turnover with India reached €371.4 million, a 67.2% rise from 2023. Exports totalled €58.4 million, driven by wood, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, ICT, telecommunications, AI, automation, and robotics. Leading Latvian firms such as MicroTic, SAF Tehnika, Valmiera Glass Fiber, Biolar, Olpha, and Grindex maintain strong trade links with India.
Technology and Start-up Synergies
Latvian start-ups are increasingly engaging with India’s market. DeskTime, a leader in productivity software, now operates in India, serving over 18,000 companies. In March 2025, Foreign Minister Baiba Braže led a delegation of ICT, space and chemical industry representatives—including Deep Space Energy, Eventech and PrintyMed—to India. A highlight was their meeting with ISRO in Bengaluru, to explore space cooperation.
Green and AI Innovations
Latvia is a pioneer in sustainable technologies, with firms like Aerones (wind turbine maintenance), Advangrid (energy efficiency), Naco Tech (hydrogen solutions) and Fortes Energy (cogeneration plants). The country is also establishing an AI Centre of Excellence, advancing speech technologies, computer vision and machine learning in healthcare, finance and Smart Cities.
Gateway to Europe
With ice-free ports, strong transport networks and EU and NATO membership, Latvia offers investors a competitive environment, supported by low taxes and Special Economic Zones. Ranked 19th globally by the World Bank for ease of doing business, Latvia is positioning Riga Airport as a regional e-commerce hub, aided by a code-share agreement between Air India and Air Baltic.
Education and Culture
Latvia’s universities are attracting Indian students, with over 3,000 enrolled in 2025. Riga, with its Art Nouveau architecture and UNESCO-listed Old Town, offers cultural richness, while the renowned Song and Dance Festival showcases Latvia’s deep-rooted folk traditions.