Mon Mar 03 11:44:35 UTC 2025: ## Belgian Princess Leads Major Economic Mission to India

**New Delhi, March 3, 2025** – Princess Astrid of Belgium arrived in India on Sunday for a week-long economic mission, bringing with her a delegation of 335 members representing 180 Belgian companies. The high-profile visit, which includes meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Indian ministers, aims to strengthen economic ties between Belgium and India, and further solidify the relationship between India and the European Union.

Princess Astrid, sister of King Philippe and leading the mission as his representative, met with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday. Discussions focused on regional security, potential defence collaborations in the Indo-Pacific, and broader economic partnerships. The Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, is also part of the delegation.

The mission plans to hold at least 14 seminars and conferences, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, defence, sustainable construction, life sciences, and steel decarbonisation. Belgian Ambassador to India, Didier Vanderhasselt, highlighted India’s strong economic growth as a key driver for this significant mission. He emphasized the aim to build a more intense and strategic relationship between both nations and the EU.

The Princess’s visit also includes trips to several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Her commitment to scientific research is also highlighted, with affiliations to prominent medical foundations in Belgium. The visit underscores the growing importance of the India-EU partnership and Belgium’s strategic investment in the Indian market.

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