PM Modi calls for united fight against terror; invites Belgians to avail opportunities in India

30 March, Brussels

Expressing concern over the expanding tentacles of terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday underscored the need of the whole world putting up a united fight against the menace.

Speaking at a luncheon after holding talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel, Modi said India had been battling the scourge for the last 40 years, and it was important for all nations to combat the problem.

The Prime Minister also invited the Belgians to make use of the vast opportunities lying in India, the fastest growing economy. He pointed out that India was developing its port sector in a big way and in addition, inland waterways offered opportunities for Belgian business.

Modi also spoke of the traditional diamond business between the two countries. “Diamonds are, of course, an old link between us. It provides employment to many in India. IT is another sector of promise,” he said.

Modi said he had a very productive session with Michel, ranging from science and technology to trade, on which the two countries could do a lot together. “Today, we live in an interdependent world. India offers a huge opportunity – not just a market, but as a huge talent pool,” he said.

“We have ties of blood with Belgium. 100 years ago, 130,000 soldiers from India fought in Belgium and 9000 made the Supreme sacrifice,” he said.