Modi, Belgian king hold talks on strengthening bilateral ties

Belgium’s King Philippe inspects a guard of honor in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Source: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgium’s King Philippe on Tuesday held talks to strengthen bilateral ties.

Ahead of the meeting with Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary, who arrived on Sunday on a week-long trip. This is Philippe’s first state visit to India following his ascension to the throne in 2013.

Modi and the King Philippe, who is accompanied by six ministers and a business delegation comprising CEOs of 86 Belgian companies, held talks in Hyderabad House.

India is Belgium’s second largest export destination and third largest trade partner outside European Union, according to official data. In 2016-17, bilateral trade amounted to $13.28 billion. While exports from India to Belgium accounted for $5.65 billion, imports from Belgium accounted for $6.62 billion.

“Swaraj called on His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium. Engaging conversation on expanding warm and friendly bilateral relations,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The visit will further strengthen the historical strong ties between the two countries, the ministry had said. Philippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde, were accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.