New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Princess Astrid of Belgium on Tuesday and expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral ties through new partnerships across various sectors. He appreciated Princess Astrid’s initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India, highlighting the potential for collaboration in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling, and academic exchanges.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Pleased to meet HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium. Deeply appreciate her initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India. Look forward to unlocking limitless opportunities for our people through new partnerships in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling and academic exchanges.”
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Princess Astrid and expressed confidence that her visit would strengthen India-Belgium and India-EU relations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to meet Princess Astrid of Belgium, leading an economic mission to India. Confident that her visit will foster greater collaborations for a stronger India-Belgium and India-EU partnership.”
Princess Astrid, the second child of King Albert II and Queen Paola and sister to King Philippe, leads Belgium’s economic missions as a representative of the King. These missions aim to enhance economic and trade relations between Belgium and its global partners.
She also serves as the Honorary President of the Queen Elisabeth Medical Foundation (QEMF) and supports the King Baudouin Foundation’s Scientific and Medical Funds. Princess Astrid engages actively with the scientific community to promote fundamental medical research in various fields.
During her visit, Princess Astrid participated in a conference on water and waste management, focusing on the support Belgium can offer to India in these areas. The Belgian Royal Palace, in a post on X, stated, “Princess Astrid takes part in a conference on water and waste management and the support that Belgium can offer to India in this field. She then attends the seminars on the decarbonisation of the steel industry and women’s entrepreneurship.”
She also attended the virtual inauguration of the research and development centre of the Belgian company Silox, which is working on decarbonising the steel industry.
Her visit concluded with a reception attended by over 800 guests, marking a promising step forward in strengthening economic ties between India and Belgium.