India’s Growth Creating Confidence, Opportunities for World: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, Sept 3: India’s economic growth is becoming a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, highlighting the country’s 7.8 per cent growth in the last quarter.

Modi made the remarks after wide-ranging talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, during which India and Belgium agreed to significantly expand cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and emerging technologies.

De Wever described the conclusion of the India-European Union free trade pact as a major milestone, saying New Delhi and Brussels are building a relationship that is broader and more strategic than ever before.

“Today, the world is passing through a phase of great upheaval. In many parts of the world, situations of conflict persist. Food, fuel or supply chains — uncertainty is affecting every sector,” Modi said.

Despite the challenging global environment, India’s economy has maintained its momentum, he said, noting that the country recorded 7.8 per cent growth in the last quarter.

The Prime Minister said India and Belgium share a commitment to the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy, and backed efforts to end conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and establish lasting peace.

He also said the two countries were committed to eradicating every form of terrorism.

Modi outlined key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly clean energy, high technologies and resilient supply chains.

“A clean energy future and reliable supply chain are our shared priorities,” he said, adding that a memorandum of understanding signed on renewable energy would provide fresh momentum to sustainability cooperation.

On critical minerals, Modi said India and Belgium had agreed to increase cooperation in processing and recycling. He added that Belgium’s expertise in semiconductors and India’s scale could complement each other and create new opportunities.

The discussions marked a further expansion of the India-Belgium strategic partnership amid continuing global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. (Agencies)