The FoC followed a recent telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo
In a significant diplomatic engagement, India and Belgium conducted the second edition of their Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) on April 10, 2024, in New Delhi, marking an important moment in their bilateral relations.
 
A Prelude to Enhanced Cooperation

 The FoC was a follow-up to recent high-level exchanges, including a telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart, Alexander De Croo, on March 26, 2024, and a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Belgian counterpart Hadja Lahbib, during the Munich conference in February 2024.
 
During the consultations, both parties conducted a thorough review of their diverse bilateral relations. According to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions spanned various sectors, including trade and economic cooperation, semiconductors, cyber and digital technologies, science and technology, and reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
 
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance India-EU Strategic ties during the ongoing tenure of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and to make progress towards a comprehensive, balanced, fair and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA),” the MEA said.
The dialogue also covered multilateral cooperation and institutional dialogue mechanisms.
 
Global and Regional Affairs

 The talks extended to global and regional issues, emphasizing the green energy transition, including green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, port cooperation, and other significant global challenges. Both sides expressed a mutual interest in enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, with a specific focus on concluding a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement soon.
 
The meeting was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board of the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
 
Economic Ties and Institutional Engagements

 Preceding the FoC, the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of India and BLEU (Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union) took place on April 9, 2024, co-chaired by Gentzis and the Commerce Secretary of India, further underlining the economic dimension of the bilateral relationship. Additionally, Gentzis paid a courtesy call on S. Jaishankar.
 
The consultations have injected new vigour into the India-Belgium relationship, allowing for a comprehensive review of actions and priorities across their multidimensional ties. Both nations have agreed to convene the next round of FoC at a mutually convenient date in the upcoming year, promising continued momentum in their diplomatic and cooperative endeavours.