1 hr ago
India and Belgium Move to Strengthen Civil Aviation Cooperation
India and Belgium talked about working more closely in aviation.
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
They discussed creating more direct flights between the two countries.
They also discussed improving air cargo services for valuable pharmaceutical products.
Another topic was advanced air mobility.
De Wever was visiting India from September 2 to 4.
The talks also took place as India and the European Union prepare a large trade agreement.
Officials say the agreement could help Indian businesses sell more goods in Europe with lower or no duties.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu discussed closer aviation cooperation with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The talks covered direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical air cargo and advanced air mobility.
De Wever visited India from September 2–4 for high-level bilateral discussions, including talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The India–EU Free Trade Agreement is undergoing legal and procedural steps before signing and implementation.
Officials said the proposed trade pact could provide near-zero-duty access for much of India’s exports to the European market.
- Who
- Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, with related bilateral discussions involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- India and Belgium discussed strengthening civil aviation cooperation, including direct air links, pharmaceutical air cargo and advanced air mobility.
- Where
- India, with New Delhi identified in the report’s dateline.
- When
- The discussions took place during Bart De Wever’s three-day visit to India from September 2–4; the official statement was issued on Friday.
- Why
- To deepen India–Belgium aviation, trade and investment ties, including in connection with the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
Key facts
- Main participants
- Ram Mohan Naidu and Bart De Wever
- Aviation topics
- Direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical air cargo and advanced air mobility
- Belgian visit
- September 2–4, for three days
- Trade agreement status
- The India–EU Free Trade Agreement is undergoing legal scrutiny and procedural formalities before formal signing and implementation.
- Expected signing
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement could be signed by December, with implementation potentially between February and March next year.
- Projected export access
- Around 93% of Indian exports are expected to receive duty-free access under the proposed pact.
- Indian tariff commitments
- India will eliminate tariffs on 86% of tariff lines, representing 93% in value terms.
Quotes
Ram Mohan Naidu
India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation
“Honored to meet Prime Minister of Belgium. Discussed further strengthening of India-Belgium cooperation in civil aviation, including direct air connectivity, air cargo for the high-value pharmaceutical sector and Advanced air mobility”
thehansindia.com
“With the India–EU FTA negotiations concluded under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister @narendramodi, there is tremendous potential to further deepen India–Belgium trade and investment ties”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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