1 hr ago
Belgium Urges India to Take Bigger Role in Ukraine Peace
Belgium wants India to help more with trying to end the war in Ukraine.
Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken said the current United States-led peace effort is not making enough progress.
He said India may have a chance to help when Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping are expected to visit New Delhi.
India and Belgium both said peace should be reached through talks and diplomacy.
They also said any peace should follow the United Nations Charter and international law.
Belgium and India discussed stronger economic ties as well as the war.
Belgium currently exports about €5 billion in goods and services to India.
Belgium hopes to double that amount by 2032.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken urged India to play a larger role in efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
Francken said the United States-led peace process was “unfortunately leading nowhere” and called for an immediate ceasefire.
He pointed to the expected presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
India and Belgium reaffirmed support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue, diplomacy and international law.
Belgium plans to double its roughly €5 billion in annual goods and services exports to India by 2032.
- Who
- Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Ukraine and bilateral ties.
- What
- Belgium urged India to take a larger role in efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine.
- Where
- The talks took place in New Delhi, India; the expected BRICS Summit is also scheduled there.
- When
- The leaders held talks on Thursday, and Francken made his comments on Friday; Putin and Xi are expected in New Delhi by the end of the following week.
- Why
- Belgium says the United States-led peace process is making little progress and believes India could help advance diplomatic efforts.
Key facts
- Belgian official
- Theo Francken, Belgium’s Defence and Trade Minister
- Peace position
- Belgium called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and a larger role for India.
- Joint position
- India and Belgium supported a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
- Expected attendees
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.
- Current trade
- Belgium exports around €5 billion in goods and services to India.
- Trade target
- Belgium plans to double exports to India by 2032.
- Business presence
- Nearly 2,000 Belgian companies are active in India.
Quotes
Theo Francken
Belgian Defence and Trade Minister
“During our meeting with Prime Minister Modi yesterday, Prime Minister Bart De Wever emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. India shares that position. The US-led peace process is unfortunately leading nowhere. A bigger role for India in that regard would, therefore, be very welcome.”
thehansindia.com
“At the end of this year, Indian Prime Minister Modi will visit Brussels to sign a comprehensive EU-India trade agreement.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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