Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Belgian Princess Astrid, who is leading a high-level delegation to India. The discussions revolved around enhancing bilateral economic ties, focusing on trade, investment, and innovation across various sectors.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi welcomed Princess Astrid and her delegation.
- Focus on key sectors like pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.
- Strengthening bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.
- Discussion on trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
- Engagement with senior Indian officials planned.
New Delhi, March 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an engaging meeting with Belgian Princess Astrid on Tuesday, who is at the helm of a significant delegation visiting India from March 1-8.
The Prime Minister expressed his warm welcome to Princess Astrid and praised her for leading a substantial delegation comprising over 300 members, which includes distinguished business leaders, government officials, and representatives from diverse sectors.
This marks the second occasion in which Princess Astrid is directing an Economic Mission to India, highlighting the importance of the robust economic relationship between the two countries, which has been steadily improving.
The discussions held between PM Modi and HRH Princess Astrid covered a broad spectrum of topics, such as trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture, skilling, academic exchanges, and cultural as well as people-to-people ties.
Both parties consented to collaborate closely to unveil new avenues for partnership in emerging and high-impact sectors, aimed at enhancing economic resilience, nurturing innovation-led growth, and deepening bilateral cooperation to benefit the citizens of both nations.
The visit will focus on vital industries such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, aerospace, and renewable energy, as stated in an official announcement.
The delegation led by the Belgian Princess is scheduled to engage with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other senior officials during this week.
Currently, India ranks 18th in terms of Belgium's export destinations, with around 200 Belgian enterprises operating within the country.
A seminar focusing on water and waste management will unite Belgian and Indian partners around cleantech, and the virtual inauguration of the Silox research and innovation centre exemplifies Belgian aspirations in India, according to a statement from the Belgian government.
In addition to defence, the construction sector is also a priority within this economic mission. A seminar addressing this subject will explore upcoming market trends and business prospects, contemporary practices, and challenges. Belgian and Indian firms and organizations will share best practices and discuss existing technologies and innovations.
The delegation comprises representatives from 36 Brussels-based companies, with 61 participants, of which 30% are women. On March 5, the India-Belgium Tech Forum will concentrate on fortifying technological partnerships.
