India and Belgium on Tuesday explored ways to further strengthen bilateral ties including trade during talks between visiting Belgian King Philippe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. The Belgian royal couple arrived in the country on a seven-day starting Sunday. It is his first State visit to India following his ascension to the throne in 2013.
Ahead of the meeting with Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary. Modi and the Belgian king, who is accompanied by six Ministers and a high powered business delegation comprising CEOs of 86 Belgian companies, held talks in Hyderabad House.
India is Belgium's second largest export destination and third largest trade partner outside EU, according to official data. In 2016-17, bilateral trade amounted to USD 13.28 billion. While exports from India to Belgium accounted for USD 5.65 billion, imports from Belgium accounted for USD 6.62 billion.
“Swaraj called on His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium. Engaging conversation on expanding warm and friendly bilateral relations,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
The visit will further strengthen the historical strong ties between the two countries, the Ministry had said ahead of the visit. Philippe and his wife, Queen Mathilde, were accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.