Natural partners: on India-Belgium ties

In terms of size and engagement, Belgium is not one of India’s most important partners. However, the visit of the Belgian Prime Minister to Delhi is part of a larger puzzle of India’s ties with European countries. These have now gained salience with focus areas for India: in economic relations, defence relations and strategic ties. At the top of the agenda in talks between Prime Ministers Bart De Wever and Narendra Modi was bilateral trade opportunities once the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is signed — which is expected in December. India-Belgium trade is about $13 billion, a third…