Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed Princess Astrid of Belgium in New Delhi as she arrived for her visit from March 2-8. The princess, sister of King Philippe, is leading a Belgian economic mission with 335 members from 180 companies. She will meet Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar, and visit several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The delegation, accompanied by Belgium’s Foreign Minister, will hold 14 seminars focusing on sectors like renewable energy and defence. The Belgian Ambassador emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties and partnerships with India, which is a priority for Belgium.
New Delhi:
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, welcomed Princess Astrid of Belgium upon her arrival on Sunday.
The representatives from both delegations exchanged greetings, with Mr. Goyal presenting the Princess with a bouquet of elegant white orchids.
Princess Astrid, the sister of King Philippe of Belgium, is scheduled to visit India from March 2 to March 8. Her itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, as well as visits to several states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi, as stated by the External Affairs Ministry (MEA).
As per the Belgian Ambassador to India, Didier Vanderhasselt, the princess is embarking on a Belgian economic mission to India, accompanied by a delegation of 335 members and representatives from 180 companies. Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot will also participate in this mission alongside the princess.
“This is the highest-level delegation we have from Belgium, led by H.H. Princess Astrid as the king’s representative. Our new Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is also our Deputy Prime Minister, along with other ministers, will be joining this group of 335 members and 180 companies,” Vanderhasselt shared.
Furthermore, the Belgian envoy noted that at least 14 seminars and conferences will be dedicated to sectors like renewable energy, defense, eco-construction, life sciences, and steel decarbonization.
“We are moving toward a more intensive and strategic partnership between the EU and India, as well as between Belgium and India. We seek dependable partners globally. India displays remarkable growth at 5-7% annually, making it a high priority for us, and it is certainly significant on our economic agenda,” the Belgian envoy told ANI.
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