New Delhi/Mumbai: Belgium–India bilateral relations received a significant boost following the recent visit of Belgium’s Director for Asia and Oceania at Diplomatie. Belgium, Ambassador William Asselborn, and Deputy Director Sabine Capart. The senior Belgian officials visited New Delhi and Mumbai earlier this month, engaging in a series of high-level meetings with Indian government counterparts.
During the visit, discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Ambassador Asselborn and Deputy Director Capart met with the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, where both sides explored ways to further strengthen diplomatic engagement and cooperation between the two countries.
Economic cooperation featured prominently in talks with the Additional Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Government of India. The meeting provided an opportunity to follow up on outcomes of the recent Belgian Economic Mission and to advance structured mechanisms of cooperation, including the Joint Economic Commission. Key growth sectors such as renewable energy and life sciences were highlighted as priority areas for expanding bilateral trade and investment ties.
Defence cooperation also emerged as an important pillar of the visit. Along with Belgium’s Defence Attaché, the delegation held wide-ranging discussions with the Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at the Ministry of Defence, focusing on defence capacity building and capability enhancement. Belgian officials noted that the appointment of Belgium’s first Defence Attaché in India and the Belgian defence mission earlier this year have already become significant milestones in deepening defence ties.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Belgium and India to building long-term partnerships and further strengthening a dynamic, forward-looking bilateral relationship.