Semiconductors, green growth, & diamond industry on the agenda as EAM Jaishankar meets top Belgian diplomat
| 2024-04-09
Secretary-General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Theodora Gentzis with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New
Belgium was one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic ties with independent India
In a significant meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday (April 9, 2024), External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, S Jaishankar, and the Secretary-General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Theodora Gentzis, engaged in talks to enhance the economic and political cooperation between India, Belgium, and the European Union (EU). The discussions were aimed at fortifying the relationship, with a particular focus on the diamond industry, semiconductors, and green growth sectors.
EAM Jaishankar expressed his contentment over hosting Gentzis, highlighting the discussions on mutual economic and political interests.
"Pleased to receive Secretary General @BelgiumMFA Theodora Gentzis today. Discussed strengthening economic and political cooperation between India, Belgium and the EU. Took up the concerns of our diamond industry. Also exchanged views on semiconductors and green growth," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
Earlier, Gentzis also engaged with Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, discussing methods to strengthen bilateral ties.
"Pleasure meeting Ms. Theodora Gentzis, Secretary General @BelgiumMFA today. Reiterated our commitment to further deepen our close, friendly and multifaceted ties," MoS Lekhi posted on X after their meeting on Monday (April 8, 2024).
These discussions are a continuation of the diplomatic engagement following last month's telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian PM Alexander De Croo, where both leaders deliberated on advancing the India-EU Partnership under the Belgian Presidency.
The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral partnership in diverse sectors including trade, investment, clean technologies, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, green hydrogen, IT, defence, ports, among other others, the MEA said after their conversation on March 26, 2024.
Historically, Belgium was one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic ties with independent India in September 1947. The relationship has been marked by high-level visits, shared democratic values, and robust economic engagement. Trade, particularly in diamonds, has been a significant aspect of the bilateral relations, complemented by investments and cooperation in various sectors like science and technology, renewable energy, and education.
The latest discussions reinforce the commitment of both nations to strengthen the strategic partnership, with an emphasis on technology, environment-friendly growth, and trade, continuing the legacy of cooperation and mutual respect that has characterized India-Belgium relations for decades.
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