New Delhi. Several important agreements were exchanged between India and Belgium at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever. During this, both the leaders discussed in detail bilateral relations, defense cooperation, clean energy and the current global situation. PM Modi warmly welcomed the Belgian Prime Minister to India and said that although this is his first visit to India, his association with India goes back a long way.
Deep connection with Antwerp
PM Modi said that Bart de Wever has been the Mayor of Antwerp for a long time and he has always supported the large Indian community settled there as well as the diamond trade between the two countries. He said that relations between India and Belgium have their roots deep in history and described the courage and sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War as an important part of the shared memory of both the countries.
Democratic values create natural partners
PM Modi said that today democratic values, market-based economy and strong people-to-people relations make both the countries natural partners. He also said that about 10 years ago he had the opportunity to visit Belgium and in the last decade the partnership between the two countries has made great progress in many important areas.