The second edition of India - Belgium Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) were held on 10 April 2024 at New Delhi, co-chaired by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
2. This meeting follows the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Mr. Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, held on March 26, 2024 and the meeting between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Belgian counterpart, Ms. Hadja Lahbib on the sidelines of Munich conference in February 2024.
3. During the meeting, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the multifaceted relations between India and Belgium. The discussions encompassed key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade and economic cooperation, semiconductors, cyber and digital, Science and Tech, UNSC reforms and multilateral cooperation and institutional dialogue mechanisms. 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). In addition, the dialogue extended to global and regional affairs, green energy transition including green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and port cooperation, and exchange on key global challenges.
4. Both sides underlined initiatives fostering people to people exchanges and cultural ties.In this context they agreed to work towards early conclusion of a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
5. These consultations were preceded by the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of India and BLEU (Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union), held on April 9, 2024, co-chaired by President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign and Commercial Affairs, and Commerce Secretary, GoI. During the visit, Ms. Gentzis also paid a courtesy call on the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
6. India Belgium FoC provided further momentum to the bilateral relationship and provided an opportunity to review actions and priorities across multidimensional ties between the two countries.
7. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of FoC with Belgium at a mutually convenient date, next year.
New Delhi
April 10, 2024