PM Modi Engages with King Philippe of Belgium, Celebrates Strengthening Bilateral Relations
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Synopsis
On March 27, PM Modi had a conversation with King Philippe of Belgium, emphasizing the growing bilateral ties focused on trade and investment. The dialogue followed a recent Belgian Economic Mission led by Princess Astrid, showcasing the commitment to enhance collaboration across various sectors.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi and King Philippe discuss enhancing bilateral ties.
- Princess Astrid leads an economic delegation to India.
- Over 35 collaboration agreements signed across multiple sectors.
- Bilateral trade exceeds USD 15 billion in 2023-24.
- Strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
New Delhi, March 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with King Philippe of Belgium on Thursday, focusing on the robust ties shared by their nations, which are strongly supported by mutual interests in trade and investment.
"I had a delightful conversation with HM King Philippe of Belgium. I expressed my appreciation for the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India, led by HRH Princess Astrid. We explored ways to enhance our strong bilateral relations, elevate trade and investment, and foster collaboration in innovation and sustainability," PM Modi shared on X following the call.
In November 2017, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited India for a State Visit—marking their first such trip since the King ascended the throne in 2013—invited by the President of India.
Belgium was among the first European nations to set up a diplomatic mission in India post-Independence, and this visit significantly reinforced the long-standing ties between the two countries.
Earlier this month, Princess Astrid led a prominent economic delegation—her second Economic Mission to India—comprising over 325 Belgian delegates, including key CEOs, leadership from Belgian firms, academia, and high-ranking officials.
Princess Astrid also met with Prime Minister Modi, where both nations agreed to collaborate closely to explore new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors, enhance economic resilience, promote innovation-led growth, and deepen bilateral ties for the benefit of their citizens.
The Princess was accompanied by Maxime Prevot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theo Francken, Minister of Defence, and Matthias Diependale, Minister-President of Flanders.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also had discussions with Princess Astrid and her team, along with a separate meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium.
"Productive discussions took place in various areas including regular political engagement, trade and investment, digital technologies, semiconductors, defence, innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, chemicals, agriculture, and easier mobility for skilled professionals," stated a report by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Princess Astrid also held meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnav.
"During the Economic Mission, over 35 agreements for business and academic collaboration were signed across various fields including green technology, healthcare, defence, food processing, ports, and education.
"The bilateral trade between both nations exceeded USD 15 billion in 2023-24, making Belgium the fifth largest trading partner of India in the EU. There are over 175 Belgian firms operating in India with investments totaling USD 4 billion. The Economic Mission led by Princess Astrid is expected to enhance two-way investment and diversify trade," the MEA noted.
