New Delhi, September 3: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever arrived in India on Thursday for a three-day visit. This marks his first trip to India since taking office in February last year. He is accompanied by Belgium’s Defense Minister Theo Francken as part of the delegation.
Upon his arrival in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs warmly welcomed him. The Ministry posted on ‘X’, stating, “Welcome to India. We extend a warm welcome to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on his official visit to New Delhi. Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth greeted him. This visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the close and multifaceted India-Belgium partnership.”
During his visit, Prime Minister De Wever will engage in bilateral talks with PM Modi. The discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral trade, defense cooperation, renewable energy, technology, and broader India-EU relations.
The Ministry of External Affairs previously announced that De Wever and Modi would meet on Thursday to discuss various dimensions of bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. PM De Wever will also deliver a keynote address at a business event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
After concluding his engagements in New Delhi, De Wever will travel to Mumbai, where he will meet with stakeholders in the diamond, port, and logistics sectors.
The Ministry stated, “This visit will further strengthen the India-Belgium partnership and promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, defense and security, technology, renewable energy, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. It will also deepen India-EU and India-Europe relations.”
Belgium was one of the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in September 1947. According to the Indian Embassy in Brussels, the strong bilateral ties between India and Belgium are based on shared values, including a commitment to the rule of law, federalism, and pluralism.
Belgium also supports India’s bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
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