India's 7.8 per cent economic growth in the latest quarter reflects the country's resilience and is creating confidence and new opportunities for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted on Thursday. His remarks came after wide-ranging talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, during which India and Belgium agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and advanced technologies.

Modi highlighted India's continued economic momentum despite global uncertainty caused by conflicts, disruptions to supply chains and concerns over food and fuel security. He noted that the Indian economy had maintained its growth trajectory even amid these challenges, describing the country's economic rise as an increasingly important source of confidence and opportunity for international partners.

The two leaders also discussed the broader strategic relationship between India and Belgium, including the recently concluded India-European Union free trade agreement. De Wever described the pact as a major milestone and noted that ties between New Delhi and Brussels are becoming broader and more strategic. The discussions covered areas where both countries see potential for greater economic and technological engagement.

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Clean energy and reliable supply chains emerged as key areas of cooperation. India and Belgium signed a memorandum of understanding on renewable energy, which Modi noted would provide fresh momentum to bilateral sustainability efforts. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals, particularly in processing and recycling, as countries seek more secure and diversified supply chains for strategic resources.

Semiconductor cooperation was another priority, with Modi highlighting the complementary strengths of Belgian expertise and India's large-scale capabilities. The two countries also discussed cooperation in high technologies and other emerging sectors that could support industrial growth and innovation. The focus on technology and critical resources reflects the broader effort to build resilient economic partnerships amid changing global supply chains.

Regional and global security also featured prominently in the talks. Modi reiterated India's support for resolving conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy, while India and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The discussions underscored the two countries' shared emphasis on international law, peaceful resolution of conflicts and closer strategic cooperation.

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