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India-Belgium Talks: How Brussels Meeting Strengthens Bilateral Ties

India and Belgium just held their third round of Foreign Office Consultations in Brussels. The meeting reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between the two countries. Key discussions focused on trade, technology, defense, and renewable energy cooperation. Both sides also emphasized strengthening India-EU ties and advancing the free trade agreement negotiations.

Key Points: India Belgium Foreign Office Consultations Review Bilateral Ties

  • Both sides reviewed complete range of bilateral relations and partnership strengthening
  • Discussions covered trade, investment, technology and defense cooperation
  • Meeting followed successful Belgian Princess Astrid's economic delegation visit
  • Partners committed to advancing comprehensive India-EU Free Trade Agreement
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Third India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations reviews full spectrum of ties

Third India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations in Brussels reviewed full spectrum of bilateral relations, trade, defense cooperation and India-EU strategic partnership.

"They reviewed the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations, discussed the deepening India-EU ties and exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of importance. - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

Brussels, November 5

The third round of the India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations was held on Tuesday in Brussels, and was co-chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the MEA said in an official statement.

As per the MEA, during the consultations, the two delegations reviewed the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. The key areas discussed included trade and investment cooperation, technology, science and innovation, defence and security, renewable energy, education and people-to-people relations.

The statement noted how the meeting came after the successful visit of Princess Astrid of Belgium, leading an Economic Delegation to India in March 2025. Regular high-level political visits and interactions, including the visit of the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to India and the External Affairs Minister to Belgium, have provided guidance and renewed momentum to bilateral relations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of deepening India-European Union (EU) ties, following the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February this year and the communication on the new India-EU Strategic Agenda. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to advancing a comprehensive, balanced, fair and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Further, the Consultations covered cooperation in multilateral fora and institutional dialogue mechanisms, the statement highlighted.

India and Belgium also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of importance.

In a post on X, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said," Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge held the 3rd round of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations with Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board of Belgian MFA @BelgiumMFA. They reviewed the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations, discussed the deepening India-European EU ties and exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of importance."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1985703303423078740

In its concluding remarks, the statement underlined how the Foreign Office Consultations reaffirmed both sides shared commitment to further deepen their bilateral relationship in a multidimensional manner -- political, economic, investment, technology, defence, and people-to-people spheres.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Belgium might be a small country but they're leaders in diamond trade and biotechnology. Smart move by India to deepen this partnership. The FTA with EU could be a game-changer for our exports!
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope our government ensures that the FTA negotiations protect our farmers and small industries. Sometimes these agreements favor developed nations disproportionately.
V
Vikram M
Defence cooperation with Belgium is interesting. They have good expertise in certain military technologies. This could help in modernizing our armed forces. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
A
Ananya R
People-to-people relations are so important! Many Indian students go to Belgium for higher education. Hope this leads to more cultural exchanges and easier visa processes for students and professionals.
M
Michael C
The renewable energy partnership is crucial for India's climate goals. Belgium has advanced wind energy technology that could benefit our growing renewable sector. Good strategic thinking!
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Karthik V
More high-level visits mean more opportunities. Remember when Princess Astrid visited with that economic delegation? That's how real business connections are made. Hope our SMEs benefit from these talks too.

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