Princess Astrid leads Belgian trade mission to India
Princess Astrid is set to visit India this week, leading a major economic mission. Accompanied by 326 business and government representatives, the delegation aims to strengthen trade ties with the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Federal ministers Maxime Prévot and Theo Francken will join the visit, alongside Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele. The Brussels and Walloon governments, however, will not be sending ministers due to scheduling conflicts and health issues.
The mission will visit Delhi and Mumbai and will feature meetings with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and key industry players, including Agristo, DEME and John Cockerill.
While Belgium’s trade with India is traditionally dominated by the diamond sector, this visit will prioritise other industries, including pharmaceuticals, logistics, aerospace and renewable energy.
India ranks 18th among Belgium’s export destinations, with bilateral trade reaching 48.4 billion euros in 2023. With India’s economy growing at over 6 per cent annually, Belgian businesses see significant opportunities, particularly as the EU seeks closer economic ties with the country. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is also set to visit the country this week.
Princess Astrid’s next trade visit will be to the western US in October.
Princess Astrid visits the AB InBev R&D centre in Leuven © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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