Introduction
India and Belgium have embarked on a path of strengthening their bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on fostering cooperation across various domains. Recent developments have underscored the two nations' commitment to deepening their partnership, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in areas ranging from trade and technology to global issues and institutional dialogue mechanisms.
The Second Edition of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations
The second edition of the India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations (FoC), held in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen the relationship between the two countries. Co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, the discussions spanned a wide range of potential areas for cooperation.
Trade, Technology, and Global Cooperation
The consultations encompassed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, economic cooperation, semiconductors, cyber and digital domains, Science and Technology, UNSC reforms, and multilateral cooperation. Emphasis was placed on strengthening ties, particularly with the European Union, and addressing critical issues such as the green energy transition, including green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals, port cooperation, and exchanges on key global challenges.
Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement
Recognizing the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, both sides underlined initiatives to boost these connections and agreed to work towards the early conclusion of a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. This agreement aims to facilitate the movement of people between the two countries, fostering deeper cultural understanding and economic opportunities.
Commitment to Enhancing India-EU Strategic Ties
India and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing India-EU Strategic ties during the ongoing tenure of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Additionally, both sides expressed their determination to make progress towards a comprehensive, balanced, fair, and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), further solidifying economic cooperation and trade relations.
Preceding Meetings and Consultations
The Foreign Office Consultations were preceded by the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of India and BLEU (Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union), held on April 9, 2024. This meeting was co-chaired by the President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign and Commercial Affairs, and the Commerce Secretary of India, underscoring the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations.
Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (west), Ministry of External Affairs and Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs (ANI)
Furthermore, the consultations followed a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, held on March 26, 2024, as well as a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Belgian counterpart, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, on the sidelines of the Munich conference in February 2024. These high-level engagements laid the groundwork for the in-depth discussions during the Foreign Office Consultations.
Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation
Recognizing the importance of energy cooperation, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Indian and Belgian government authorities at both the Federal and regional levels. This MoU aims to establish a framework for collaborative institutional ties, fostering technical bilateral cooperation in the realm of new and renewable energy matters, grounded in principles of mutual benefit, equality, and reciprocity.
Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU encompass the advancement of technologies related to wind energy, biomass, solar (both thermal and photovoltaic), smart grids, geothermal energy, marine energy, as well as the role of renewables in diversifying energy supply and enhancing energy security, among other mutually agreed domains. This Memorandum of Understanding is poised to bolster bilateral cooperation between the two nations in the crucial area of energy.
Cooperation in Information Communication Technology and Electronics (ICT&E)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has also been briefed about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Belgium regarding Cooperation in Information Communication Technology and Electronics (ICT&E). This MoU, signed during the State Visit of King Philippe of Belgium to India on November 7, 2017, aims to foster cooperation between the two countries, encompassing the sharing of best practices in ICT&E policy, digital agenda technology, and research, with a particular focus on enhancing ICT&E manufacturing and services. The MoU involves collaboration in e-Governance and e-Public Service Delivery, participation in conferences, study visits, and the exchange of experts. Additionally, it addresses cybersecurity concerns and seeks to address issues related to data adequacy, market access, trade, and services, reflecting the importance of ICT&E in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Background and Significance of ICT&E Cooperation
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India is engaged in collaborative efforts with several countries to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the field of ICT. Given the pivotal role of ICT in driving economic growth and various aspects of a country's economic and social development, MeitY has established Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements with counterpart organizations/agencies of different nations to facilitate close cooperation and information exchange in the ICT domain.
With initiatives by the Government of India such as "Digital India'' and "Make in India," exploring business opportunities and attracting investments in the technology sector have become increasingly important. India and Belgium share strong and amicable relations, with Belgium being India's second-largest trading partner within the European Union (EU). Belgium boasts expertise in Communication Technology, particularly in areas like e-Governance, electronic ID cards, and web-based taxation, making it an ideal partner for collaboration in the ICT&E sector.
Conclusion
The strengthening of ties between India and Belgium marks a significant step towards enhanced cooperation in various domains, including trade, technology, energy, and global issues. The recent Foreign Office Consultations, coupled with the Memorandums of Understanding on Energy Cooperation and Information Communication Technology and Electronics, lay the foundation for deeper collaboration and mutual benefit.
As the two nations continue to engage in high-level dialogues and consultations, the potential for stronger economic ties, technological advancements, and global cooperation is poised to grow. By leveraging their respective strengths and fostering an environment of mutual understanding and respect, India and Belgium are paving the way for a future marked by shared prosperity, sustainable development, and a commitment to addressing global challenges together.
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