Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Princess Astrid of Belgium and Belgian Minister Theo Francken on Monday as part of Belgium's high-level economic mission to India. Princess Astrid, the sister of Belgium’s King Philippe, is on an official visit to India from March 2 to March 8. She was welcomed upon arrival by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday.

During her visit, Princess Astrid is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. She will also travel to multiple Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

According to Didier Vanderhasselt, the Belgian Ambassador to India, the Princess is leading an extensive Belgian economic mission, accompanied by a delegation of 335 members and representatives from 180 companies. Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, is also part of the delegation.

Vanderhasselt described the visit as “the highest format we have on the Belgian side,” emphasising that Princess Astrid is representing the Belgian King. The delegation includes senior ministers and key industry leaders, reflecting Belgium’s strong commitment to fostering economic and trade relations with India.

The Belgian envoy further noted that the visit will include 14 seminars and conferences focused on renewable energy, defence, eco-construction, life sciences, and steel decarbonisation.

Highlighting Belgium’s interest in strengthening ties with India, Vanderhasselt said, “We are working towards a more intense and strategic relationship between the EU and India, as well as between Belgium and India. India’s economic growth of 5-7% annually makes it a priority destination for our economic actors.”

Princess Astrid, the second child of King Albert II and Queen Paola, plays a significant role in Belgium’s economic diplomacy. She has been leading Belgian trade missions as the King’s representative, promoting economic partnerships between Belgium and foreign nations.

In addition to her diplomatic responsibilities, Princess Astrid serves as the Honorary President of the Queen Elisabeth Medical Foundation (QEMF) and supports the King Baudouin Foundation’s Scientific and Medical Funds. She actively engages with the global scientific community, visiting research institutions and attending award ceremonies to advance medical research.

Princess Astrid’s visit marks an important step in strengthening bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and diplomatic ties between India and Belgium. The high-level meetings and economic discussions scheduled throughout her stay are expected to pave the way for deeper engagement in business, technology, and healthcare sectors.