The Belgian Princess Astrid is leading an economic mission to India from March 1-8, 2025 to improve collaboration in important areas like trade, defence and clean energy. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal has accepted the increased collaboration after a good meeting with the Belgian delegation, who among others, included Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot and Defence Minister Theo Francken. The visit takes place ahead of the 10th India-EU free trade negotiations in Brussels from March 10-14. Belgium as a NATO host and one of the founding members of the EU is an important economic and strategic partner for India. Princess Astrid’s delegation is focused on enhancing Belgium’s position as the main European gateway and developing investment relations. The engagements are in New Delhi and Mumbai, but the delegation is also looking at Uttar Pradesh as an investment destination. The princess visited the Agristo factory in Bijnor, an Indo-Belgian partnership established in 2023 to produce potato derivatives. The plant processing 25,000 tonnes of potatoes every year uses advanced agricultural practices to benefit local farmers. One has also seen the ₹750 crore expansion plan of Agristo Masa Pvt Ltd. reviewed to further enhance the Indo-Belgian trade relations. The cumulative FDI inflows to India by Belgium have been $2.89 billion since the year 2000, and more than 160 Belgian companies are operational in India. The country also backs India’s bid to secure a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council. It is expected that the Princess Astrid’s mission will cement the economic ties and strengthen Belgium’s position as a strategic partner in India’s development path.
Piyush Goyal holds ‘productive meeting’ with Princess Astrid of Belgium
