Princess Astrid of Belgium was welcomed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on her visit to India. Scheduled from March 2 to March 8, she will meet with key officials including Prime Minister Modi. Leading a 335-member economic delegation, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors.
On Sunday, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal welcomed Princess Astrid of Belgium in New Delhi. Upon her arrival, Mr. Goyal presented her with a bouquet of white orchids while delegates from both sides exchanged greetings.
Princess Astrid, who is the sister of Belgium’s King Philippe, is visiting India from March 2 to March 8. Throughout her visit, she is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in addition to touring multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi, as stated by the External Affairs Ministry (MEA).
The Belgian Ambassador to India, Didier Vanderhasselt, indicated that the princess is leading a Belgian economic mission to India that consists of 335 members and 180 businesses. This delegation also includes Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot.
Vanderhasselt emphasized the significance of this visit, stating, “It is the highest format that we have on the Belgian side, led by H.H. Princess Astrid as the representative of the king.” He affirmed that the mission would encompass at least 14 seminars focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, defense, eco-construction, life sciences, and steel decarbonization.
The Belgian envoy highlighted the strengthened strategic relations between the EU and India, particularly Belgium’s focus on India, stating, “We need reliable partners all over the world. India has a very impressive growth of 5-7% every year. So India is very high on our priority list, and it is certainly on the map when it comes to our economic actors.”
The visit of Princess Astrid of Belgium signifies a crucial step in enhancing economic ties between Belgium and India. Her delegation aims to explore cooperation in diverse sectors, signaling Belgium’s commitment to a strategic partnership with India. The events planned during her stay encapsulate Belgium’s dedication to fostering a robust economic relationship with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
