April 26, 2024 13:34 (IST)
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India shares grief of Belgian people: PM Modi in Brussels
Brussels, Mar 30 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday conveyed his "deepest condolences" to his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel following the brutal terror attack in the city of Brussels.
"Last week has been a sad week for Belgium. Let me say Mr. Prime Minister that we share the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last 8 days. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones to the terror strikes in Brussels last week," PM Modi said during his visit to Belgium.
He said, "Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain. Mr. Prime Minister, in this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people."
He said the two countries share a long history of friendship.
"A hundred years ago, more than 130,000 soldiers from India fought in the First World War alongside your countrymen on Belgian soil. More than 9,000 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice," Modi said.
"Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of India-Belgium diplomatic ties. To celebrate this important milestone in our friendship, we look forward to welcoming His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium in India next year. We would also be commemorating it with a joint programme of activities in each others’ countries," said the Indian PM.
Modi said that his conversation with Prime Minister Charles Michel on Wednesday covered the whole spectrum of the two countries' ties.
"A system of bilateral foreign policy consultations would recommend concrete ways to upgrade our partnership," said he.
He said a combination of Belgian capacities and India’s economic growth can produce promising opportunities for businesses on both sides.
"Prime Minister and I have just held a productive interaction with Belgian CEOs and business persons earlier today. I invite the Belgian government and companies to pro-actively associate with India's ambitious development projects including Digital India, Start Up India and Skill India. Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India," said he.
"India's goal to modernize infrastructure, especially railways and ports, and building of 100 plus smart cities also presents a unique investment opportunity for the Belgian companies. These partnerships can help us reach new heights in our trade and commercial partnership," Modi added.
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