New Delhi, September 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deep historical roots of India-Belgium relations during a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. He stated, “The ties between India and Belgium are deeply rooted in history. These roots are a significant part of our shared memory.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi engaged in delegation-level talks with Prime Minister De Wever at Hyderabad House. During their meeting, both leaders exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, including defense, food, and clean energy.
Welcoming De Wever, Modi expressed his delight at the Belgian Prime Minister’s first visit to India. He noted, “While this is his first trip to India, his familiarity with our country is longstanding. He served as the Mayor of Antwerp for many years and has consistently supported the large Indian community and the India-Belgium diamond trade. The courage and sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers in Belgium during World War I are a vital part of our shared memory. Today, democratic values, market economies, and deep interpersonal connections make us natural partners.”
Reflecting on his visit to Belgium a decade ago, Modi remarked, “I had the opportunity to visit Belgium ten years ago, and I am pleased to see how our partnership has flourished over the past decade. Today, our collaboration has expanded beyond traditional sectors to strategic areas like defense and clean energy. We are working together on modern defense equipment such as the Zorawar tank and developing one of the world’s largest green ammonia projects in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to broaden this partnership across various sectors. He stated, “The world is currently experiencing significant turmoil. Conflicts persist in many regions, affecting food, fuel, and supply chains. Despite this challenging environment, India’s economy has maintained its momentum, recording a growth rate of 7.8 percent in the last quarter. Today, India’s development story is becoming a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world.”
Modi also mentioned the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stating, “Earlier this year, we established a historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. This unprecedented cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies will strengthen global stability, development, and shared prosperity. India’s continuous economic progress and this agreement have opened new avenues for our economic relations. We have taken significant steps to turn these possibilities into tangible results.”
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