Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Princess Astrid of Belgium in New Delhi on Tuesday. She is heading a high-level Belgian Economic Mission at the time of her visit to India from March 1 to 8.

The talks covered a wide range of topics, such as trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation, clean energy, infrastructure, agriculture, skill development, academic exchanges, and cultural ties. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in new and growing sectors, with a focus on expanding economic stability and promoting innovation-led growth.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed Princess Astrid and recognised her effort in leading a delegation of over 300 members, including business leaders, government officials and representatives from different sectors. This marks her second time heading an economic mission to India, highlighting the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

Bilateral Trade and investment between India and Belgium have been growing consistently, with both countries serving as key players in global supply chains, especially in diamonds, pharmaceuticals, green energy and technology-driven sectors. The meeting reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new opportunities for collaboration to promote mutual economic growth.

Earlier, the Belgian Princess's delegation met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other senior officials.

India is currently Belgium's 18th largest export destination, with around 200 Belgian companies operating in the country. A water and waste management seminar is expected to bring together Belgian and Indian stakeholders to collaborate on cleantech solutions. According to a statement from the Belgian government, the virtual inauguration of the Silox Research and Innovation Centre highlighted Belgium’s ambitions in this sector within India. Along with defence, the construction sector is also a key focus of this economic mission.

A dedicated seminar will explore future market trends, business opportunities, current challenges, and best practices in the sector. Belgian and Indian companies will share insights on existing technologies and innovations.

The delegation includes representatives from 36 Brussels-based companies, with 61 participants, 30% women. On March 5, the India-Belgium Tech Forum will focus on deepening technological partnerships between the two countries.