Belgium conveys its solidarity with India in fight against all forms of terrorism.

Published by: Greatfuture Info

NSD Delhi, September 3, 

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever have underscored their commitment to a comprehensive and global approach to counter terrorism and affirmed that terrorism, in any form and manifestation and anywhere, could never be justified, and called for its perpetrators to be held accountable in accordance with international law. 

The India-Belgium Joint Statement released after the talks between the two leaders highlighted that Prime Minister Wever conveyed Belgium's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. He once again condemned the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April last year. 

They agreed that the international community must act together, against terrorists and terrorist entities including those designated by the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime, terrorist networks, their safe havens and their financing, including through the UN and FATF. The leaders called for strengthened international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism, including through sanctions mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels. 

In this context, they expressed their intention to explore the establishment of a Belgium-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with a view to enhancing bilateral cooperation in addressing evolving terrorist threats. The two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on major international developments, including recent developments in Ukraine and in West Asia. 

Regarding the war in Ukraine, both sides reaffirmed their support for efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. On West Asia, they discussed recent developments of concern in the region and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address challenges in a peaceful manner. They also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of maritime routes and of maintaining safe and unimpeded maritime shipping. They reiterated their call for reformed and effective multilateralism, with the United Nations Charter at its center.

This will sustain an equitable and peaceful international order, address pressing global challenges and prepare the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic domains. The two leaders recalled the supreme sacrifice of more than nine thousand Indian soldiers in the Flanders Fields during the First World War. The two leaders also recalled that Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1947. 

The joint statement said, the 80th anniversary of Belgium-India diplomatic relations in 2027 will give India and Belgium another historical occasion to celebrate the deepening and broadening of the bilateral relationship. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the centrality of the India-EU Strategic Partnership to India-Belgium relations. 

They welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement during the India-EU Summit on 27th January this year and called for the conclusion of the negotiations on the EU-India Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications at the earliest opportunity, with a view to further strengthening economic ties between India and the European Union. 

With Belgium as the 24th biggest economy in the world, and India's ambition to become a 10 trillion dollar economy in the coming years, both leaders acknowledged abundant opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the growth and diversification of bilateral economic ties and welcomed expanding cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, defence industrial collaboration, critical minerals refining and recycling, sustainable industries, and nuclear energy. 

They also underlined the strategic importance of maritime and port cooperation between the two countries and welcomed opportunities to deepen collaboration in port development, logistics, connectivity, dredging and offshore wind infrastructure. cooperation involving private sector stakeholders. On defence cooperation, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent between the two Ministries of Defence, establishing a framework for regular exchanges, staff talks, education and training, research cooperation, and defence-industrial partnerships. 

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the renewed MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation between India and Belgium. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement its long-term goals, including the temperature goal, and its principles, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.