PM Modi to visit Brussels on March 30: Ministry of External Affairs

New Delhi, March 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Belgian capital Brussels on March 30 as scheduled, the external affairs ministry said on Tuesday. Modi is scheduled to travel to Belgium for the 13th India-European Union Summit at the invitation of European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

The India-EU Summit aims to deepen the India-EU strategic partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas for India’s growth and development. On Tuesday, two deadly blasts blamed on a suicide bomber  ripped through the Zaventem airport of Brussels, killing at least 13 people. A third explosion at a Metro station in the heart of the Belgian capital later claimed 15 more lives.

Scores were also injured in the coordinated attacks that come only four days after the Belgian police arrested a suspect in the Paris terror attack that killed 130 people in November.

Modi earlier tweeted to condemn the attacks.

“News from Brussels is disturbing. The attacks are condemnable. Condolences to families of the deceased. May those injured recover quickly,” Modi tweeted. An MEA statement on the prime minister’s impending visit said the EU is India’s leading trade and investment partner and biggest export destination. India and EU are also strategic partners since 2004.

During his visit, Modi will hold bilateral summit meeting with Belgian leaders following an invitation from the Belgium’s Prime Minister Charles Michel. India and Belgium enjoy close and friendly ties. Belgium is India’s second largest trade partner within the EU.

“The bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers will focus on further enhancing the economic partnership. The two prime ministers will also hold discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” the MEA statement said. (IANS)