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India, Belgium to Launch Strategic Dialogue, Boost Tech & Trade Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot in Brussels, where both sides agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue. The talks focused on intensifying cooperation in key areas like trade, investment, semiconductors, health, and technology. Jaishankar's visit also included a meeting with Cyprus' Foreign Minister to discuss bilateral ties and the West Asia situation. This engagement follows the recent India-EU Summit and aims to further deepen the strategic partnership with the European Union.

Key Points: India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue Announced by EAM Jaishankar

  • New Strategic Dialogue agreed
  • Focus on tech, semiconductors & trade
  • Belgium backs India's UNSC bid
  • Talks held with Cyprus on West Asia
  • Visit aims to deepen India-EU ties
2 min read

India and Belgium have agreed to establish Strategic Dialogue: EAM Jaishankar

EAM Jaishankar meets Belgian FM Prevot, agrees to establish a Strategic Dialogue to enhance cooperation in trade, tech, and semiconductors.

"Agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue - EAM S Jaishankar"

Brussels, March 16

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his counterpart from Belgium, Maxime Prevot, on Monday on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, semiconductors, health, technology and innovation.

"Started Day 2 in Brussels, meeting with FM Maxime Prevot of Belgium. Discussed intensifying our cooperation in trade & investment, semiconductors, health, technology & innovation. Agreed to establish a Strategic Dialogue," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

EAM Jaishankar and Prevot had earlier met on the sidelines of Sir Bani Yas Forum last December.

Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic ties with independent India in September 1947. The bilateral ties between India and Belgium is based on shared commonalities and commitment to the rule of law, federalism and pluralism. Belgium supports India's aspiration for permanent membership of the UNSC, according to the Indian Embassy in Belgium.

EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Belgium at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas to interact with Foreign Ministers of the 27 EU Member States at the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting.

On Sunday, EAM Jaishankar met Cyprus counterpart Constantinos Kombos and discussed bilateral ties and situation in West Asia.

"Pleasure to meet FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus today in Brussels. Discussed ways to further strengthen our strategic partnership and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. Holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, appreciate Cyprus' support in advancing European Union-India engagement," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated: "During the visit, EAM will also hold meetings with the leadership of the European Union, and his counterparts from Belgium and other EU Member States. The visit of EAM coming soon after the historic 16th India-EU Summit is expected to further deepen India's Strategic Partnership with the European Union."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector, I'm particularly excited about the semiconductor cooperation. We need more such partnerships to build a resilient supply chain. Good to see Belgium supports our UNSC bid too.
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Vikram M
While the strategic dialogue is welcome, I hope the focus remains on tangible outcomes for common people - jobs, technology transfer, and affordable healthcare solutions. Sometimes these high-level talks remain just that - talks.
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Priya S
Belgium's support for India's UNSC permanent membership is a big deal! Building strong ties with EU nations one by one. EAM Jaishankar's diplomacy is really putting India on the global map. 🙌
R
Rohit P
Good to see health and innovation included. Post-pandemic, we need more international collaboration in medical research. Belgium has strong pharmaceutical companies, hope Indian companies get a fair deal in any partnerships.
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Michael C
The EU-India relationship is becoming one of the most important geopolitical partnerships of the 21st century. Engaging with individual member states like Belgium strengthens the overall framework. Smart diplomacy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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