India Announces Decision to Appoint Defence Attaché to Brussels, Strengthening Defence Engagement with Belgium
- National
- (Asia/Kolkata)
India Announces Decision to Appoint Defence Attaché to Brussels, Strengthening Defence Engagement with Belgium
India has announced the decision to appoint a Defence Attaché to Brussels, complementing Belgium’s placement of a Defence Attaché in New Delhi earlier this year. The move comes as both countries look to strengthen defence engagement, including cooperation in defence production.
Briefing the media on Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to India, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, Sibi George, said significant progress will be seen in defence engagement between the two nations, including in defence production.
Sibi George said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever have set a target to double bilateral trade in the next five years, against the backdrop of the successful conclusion of the India-EU FTA. Currently, bilateral trade is about 13 billion US dollars.
The Secretary (West) emphasised that there is a clear focus on three Ts – Trade, Technology and Talent.
Sibi George also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Belgian universities and premier academic institutions to open campuses in India. He added that Prime Minister Modi invited Belgium to participate in WAVES 2.0.
Ukraine and West Asia Discussed
Replying to a query, Secretary (West) said both sides exchanged views on major international developments, including recent developments in Ukraine and West Asia.
Regarding Ukraine, he said both sides reaffirmed support for efforts towards achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
On West Asia, the two sides discussed recent developments in the region and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address challenges in a peaceful manner.
