It was King Philippe's first state visit to India after his
ascension to the throne in 2013. The royal couple is to visit India at the
invitation of the President. During their stay, they commemorate Indian
soldiers’ effort of defending Belgium during the World War I and lay a wreath
at the India Gate.
King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola during their visit 47 years ago
were received at the airport by then President V V Giri. Besides, the Taj
Mahal, the royal couple had also paid homage to the Mahatma by laying a wreath
at his memorial at Rajghat. The king had visited the Qutub Minar as well.
The visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, including in trade
in other areas of cooperation, will also mark 70 years of diplomatic relations
between the two countries. The theme of the visit is innovative partnership for
the 21st century. Belgium was also among the first European countries to
establish a diplomatic mission in India after independence. India is Belgium's
second largest export destination and the third largest trading partner outside
the European Union.
Belgium is India's eight largest trading partners since 2009,
accounting for trade of about Rs 41,552 crore. India
and Belgium share the common value of "democracy, pluralism and rule of
law" and Belgium has supported the G4 nations. The former deputy Prime
Minister of Belgium Steven Vanackere had said that "slowly but
surely" India was getting its "rightful place in global
governance". He reiterated that Belgium "unequivocally"
reconfirmed its support for India's bid for a permanent seat in the enlarged UN
Security Council.
According to official data, in 2016-17, bilateral trade amounted
to USD 13.28 billion of which exports from India to Belgium accounted for USD
5.65 billion while imports from Belgium accounted for USD 6.62 billion.
https://www.thetajtours.com/belgians-royal-couple-visited-taj-mahal/
No comments:
Post a Comment