New Delhi, March 3 – The relationship between India and Belgium is poised to evolve into a more contemporary partnership, with expanding cooperation in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and innovation, according to India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar's comments came during a meeting on Monday with Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.
Prevot is visiting India as part of a high-level economic mission led by Princess Astrid of Belgium. The mission, aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, focuses on several key sectors, including trade, research, and technology. Jaishankar emphasized the potential for strengthening India-Belgium collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation in emerging technologies.
Jaishankar, reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the two nations, noted that Belgium was one of the first European countries to establish an embassy in independent India. He also recalled the shared historical connection, mentioning the war memorials in Belgium dedicated to Indian soldiers.
"Belgium and India have a steady relationship, with collaboration across various domains such as trade, industry, education, and culture. Today, there is potential to build on that foundation with more modern areas like AI, clean energy, and semiconductor manufacturing," Jaishankar stated.
The visit of Princess Astrid and the accompanying delegation of nearly 360 Belgian businesses is expected to deepen these ties, with Jaishankar underscoring the potential for Belgian companies to engage with India’s "Make in India" initiative. The economic mission will offer Belgian businesses a closer look at the opportunities in India, particularly in sectors like research, design, and innovation.
Jaishankar expressed optimism that the mission would significantly enhance bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in climate and renewable energy, health and life sciences, space, defence, and eco-construction. "The mission will provide a comprehensive platform for businesses from both nations to collaborate on cutting-edge projects," Jaishankar added.
Belgian Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt revealed that the mission's focus includes finalizing 22 projects in New Delhi and 12 in Mumbai, with particular emphasis on strengthening the defence sector collaboration between the two countries.
The trajectory of India-Belgium relations has witnessed steady growth in recent years, primarily driven by trade and investment. In 2021, bilateral trade reached EUR 12.22 billion, with diamonds being a key component of the trade. India is Belgium's 14th largest export destination, and the 16th largest importer to Belgium. India also ranks as Belgium’s seventh-largest export destination outside the European Union and the sixth-largest trade partner globally.
As the delegation moves from Delhi to Mumbai for further engagements, the mission is expected to continue exploring new avenues for collaboration, solidifying the partnership between the two nations in the years to come.
Prevot is visiting India as part of a high-level economic mission led by Princess Astrid of Belgium. The mission, aimed at bolstering bilateral ties, focuses on several key sectors, including trade, research, and technology. Jaishankar emphasized the potential for strengthening India-Belgium collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of cooperation in emerging technologies.
Jaishankar, reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the two nations, noted that Belgium was one of the first European countries to establish an embassy in independent India. He also recalled the shared historical connection, mentioning the war memorials in Belgium dedicated to Indian soldiers.
"Belgium and India have a steady relationship, with collaboration across various domains such as trade, industry, education, and culture. Today, there is potential to build on that foundation with more modern areas like AI, clean energy, and semiconductor manufacturing," Jaishankar stated.
The visit of Princess Astrid and the accompanying delegation of nearly 360 Belgian businesses is expected to deepen these ties, with Jaishankar underscoring the potential for Belgian companies to engage with India’s "Make in India" initiative. The economic mission will offer Belgian businesses a closer look at the opportunities in India, particularly in sectors like research, design, and innovation.
Jaishankar expressed optimism that the mission would significantly enhance bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in climate and renewable energy, health and life sciences, space, defence, and eco-construction. "The mission will provide a comprehensive platform for businesses from both nations to collaborate on cutting-edge projects," Jaishankar added.
Belgian Ambassador Didier Vanderhasselt revealed that the mission's focus includes finalizing 22 projects in New Delhi and 12 in Mumbai, with particular emphasis on strengthening the defence sector collaboration between the two countries.
The trajectory of India-Belgium relations has witnessed steady growth in recent years, primarily driven by trade and investment. In 2021, bilateral trade reached EUR 12.22 billion, with diamonds being a key component of the trade. India is Belgium's 14th largest export destination, and the 16th largest importer to Belgium. India also ranks as Belgium’s seventh-largest export destination outside the European Union and the sixth-largest trade partner globally.
As the delegation moves from Delhi to Mumbai for further engagements, the mission is expected to continue exploring new avenues for collaboration, solidifying the partnership between the two nations in the years to come.
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