India, Belgium agree to work towards early conclusion of a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. This was decided during the second edition of India – Belgium Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) held in New Delhi today.
Their discussions spanned various areas of potential cooperation, including trade, technology, and joint efforts within international forums. Emphasis was placed on deepening ties, particularly with the European Union, and addressing critical issues like green energy transition including green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and port cooperation, and exchange on key global challenges. In addition, the dialogue extended to global and regional affairs, too.
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 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.
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 the President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign and Commercial Affairs, and Commerce Secretary, India.
The meeting was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Ms Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
This meeting follows the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, held on March 26, 2024, and the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Belgian counterpart, Ms Hadja Lahbib on the sidelines of Munich conference in February 2024.
