India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations Strengthen Bilateral Relations

India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations Strengthen Bilateral Relations

India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations Strengthen Bilateral Relations

The second edition of the India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) took place on April 10 in the national capital, where both sides engaged in a thorough examination of the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, the meeting delved into various areas of bilateral cooperation.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions covered significant aspects such as trade and economic cooperation, semiconductors, cyber and digital affairs, Science and Technology, UNSC reforms, and multilateral cooperation, along with institutional dialogue mechanisms.

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Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to bolster India-EU strategic ties during Belgium’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. They expressed their dedication to advancing towards a comprehensive, balanced, fair, and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Additionally, global and regional affairs, green energy transition focusing on green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, port cooperation, and addressing key global challenges were part of the dialogue.

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Furthermore, initiatives to enhance people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties were highlighted, with an agreement to expedite the conclusion of a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

These consultations followed the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of India and BLEU (Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union) held on April 9. Co-chaired by the President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign and Commercial Affairs, and the Commerce Secretary of India, the meeting focused on strengthening economic ties.

During the visit, Gentzis paid a courtesy call to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, further underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. The release emphasized that the India-Belgium FoC provided additional momentum to bilateral relations and facilitated a review of actions and priorities across various dimensions.

Both sides agreed to convene the next round of FoC with Belgium at a mutually convenient date next year, solidifying their commitment to sustaining and advancing the bilateral relationship.