NEW DELHI, March 3 (KUNA) -- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Princess Astrid - now on an economic mission to India, discussed on Monday ways to advance cooperation in different areas of mutual interest.
They "held comprehensive discussions on advancing our bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, digital, mobility and defense," Jaishankar wrote on his X account.
They explored new opportunities for "Make in India, Design in India and Research in India', he noted adding that the discussions also dealt with EU and multilateral cooperation, as well as global and regional developments.
Welcoming the Deputy PM of Belgium to India, Jaishankar said that he looks forward to establish a close working relationship with her.
Indicating to the close ties between the two countries, the Indian FM said: "Belgium was one of the first European countries to establish an embassy in independent India. "And, of course, we also have a historical connection. We have still war memorials to Indian soldiers on your lands." He indicated that there is possibility of growing relationship in the areas of trade, industry, education, innovation and culture in a more contemporary format.
He also expressed happiness over welcoming Princess Astrid and the economic mission with close to 360 businesses. He hoped that it will give them an opportunity to assess what is happening in India, to take advantage of 'Make in India, Designing in India, Researching in India, Innovating in India'. In a related development, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with Princess Astrid of Belgium and the Defence Minister Theo Francken and discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in maritime domain.
"They also discussed ways and means to enhance defence industrial cooperation between the two countries," a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
Singh welcomed Belgian investments in the defence sector and suggested that the Belgian companies could play an important role by expanding their footprint in India and integrating the Indian vendors in their supply chains.
The Belgium delegation is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. (end) atk.gb