India has announced the decision to appoint a Defence Attache to Brussels, complementing Belgium placing a Defence Attache in New Delhi earlier this year. Briefing media this evening on Belgian Prime Minister, Bart De Wever’s visit, Secretary (West) in External Affairs Ministry, Sibi George affirmed that significant progress will be seen in defence engagement between the two nations, including in defence production. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Belgian Prime Minister have set a target to double bilateral trade in the next five years in the backdrop of successful conclusion of India-EU FTA. Currently the trade is about 13 billion US dollars. Secretary (West) emphasised that there is a clear focus on three Ts – Trade, Technology and Talent. Prime Minister Modi has invited the Belgian universities and premier academic institutions to open campuses in India. Mr George said that Prime Minister Modi also invited Belgium to participate in the WAVES 2.0.
On whether views regarding Russia-Ukraine and West Asia conflicts were exchanged between the two leaders, Secretary (West) informed that both sides exchanged views on major international developments, including the recent developments in Ukraine and West Asia. Regarding Ukraine, both sides reaffirmed support for efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. On West Asia, they discussed the recent developments in the region and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address challenges in a peaceful manner.
Replying to a query on the extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi, Mr George said that the fugitive was arrested by the Belgian authorities in April last year, and has been in Belgian jail since then. He said Indian government remains committed to ensuring that fugitives are brought back to India to face law and justice.
