PM Modi Speaks To Belgium King Philippe, Discusses Trade And 'Strong' Bilateral Relations
PM Modi's conversation with King Philippe came amid reports that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi was living in Belgium with his wife, who is a Belgian citizen.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with King Philippe of Belgium, discussing shared close bilateral ties between the two countries along with boosting trade and investment and advancing collaboration in innovation.
“It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Philippe of Belgium. Appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid. We discussed deepening our strong bilateral ties, boosting trade and investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation and sustainability," PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.
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It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Philippe of Belgium. Appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid. We discussed deepening our strong bilateral ties, boosting trade & investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation &…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2025
Mehul Choksi Living In Belgium
The Prime Minister’s conversation came amid reports of fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi living in Belgium’s Antwerp with his wife Preeti Choksi, who is a Belgian citizen. Choksi, who has been on the run from Indian authorities for several years, was granted residency on November 15, 2023.
Sources told the Associated Times that Indian authorities have requested the Belgian government for Choksi’s extradition. However, his newly acquired Belgian residency complicates matters, granting him the freedom to travel between European countries and hindering efforts to bring him back to face trial in India.
Further complicating the situation, Choksi is reportedly planning to move to Switzerland, citing the need for medical treatment at the Hirslanden Klinik Aarau, a well-known cancer hospital. This move is being seen as another attempt to delay his extradition process, using humanitarian grounds as justification.
India-Belgium Ties
Notably, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium paid a State Visit to India – their first to India – in November 2017, following King’s ascension to the throne in 2013 – at the invitation of the President of India.
Belgium was also among the first European countries to establish a diplomatic mission in India after Independence and the visit had further strengthened the historical strong ties between the two countries.
Earlier this month, Princess Astrid of Belgium led a high-powered economic delegation – second such Economic Mission to India – that consisted of over 325 Belgian delegates comprising of key CEOs, senior leadership from Belgian businesses, academic representatives as well as high-ranking officials of the country.
She also called on PM Modi, who said he looks forward to “unlocking limitless opportunities" for the people of the two countries through new partnerships in areas such as trade, technology, defence and agriculture.
He welcomed the Princess to India and deeply appreciated her initiative of bringing a big delegation of over 300 members, including prominent business leaders, government officials, and representatives from various sectors, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
(with agency inputs)
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