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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever mentioned the basis of relations between the two countries. He said, “India-Belgium relations have deep roots in history. These roots are an important part of our shared memory.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation level talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever at Hyderabad House. In the presence of both, MoUs were exchanged between India and Belgium, which were done in areas ranging from defense to food, clean energy.

Welcoming Weaver, Prime Minister Modi said, “I am very happy to extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister on his first visit to India. This is certainly his first visit to India, but his acquaintance with India goes back a long way. He has been the Mayor of Antwerp for a long time and has always supported the large Indian community of Antwerp and the India-Belgium diamond trade.

Relations between India and Belgium have deep roots in history. The courage and sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War is an important part of our common memory. “Today, democratic values, market economy and deep people-to-people ties make us natural partners.”

Referring to his visit to Belgium a decade ago, PM Modi further said, “I had the opportunity to visit Belgium ten years ago and I am happy to see how tremendously our partnership has progressed in the last decade.

Today, the scope of our cooperation extends beyond traditional sectors to strategic areas such as defense and clean energy. We are working together on modern defense equipment like Zorawar tank. “We are also developing one of the world’s largest green ammonia projects in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.”

The PM also talked about expanding this partnership in various fields. He said, “Today the world is going through a period of great turmoil. There is a situation of conflict in many parts of the world. Be it food or fuel or supply chain, every sector is being affected by uncertainty.

Even in this challenging environment, India's economy has maintained its momentum. In the last quarter we have registered a growth of 7.8 percent. Today India’s growth story is becoming a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned FTA. He said, “Earlier this year, we signed a historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. This unprecedented cooperation between the world's two largest democracies will give new strength to global stability, growth and shared prosperity.

India's continued economic progress and this agreement have opened up new possibilities for our economic relations. Today we have taken several important steps to convert these possibilities into concrete results.”