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India-Luxembourg hold foreign office talks

The talks were centered on strengthening ties, with special attention given to sectors such as the diamond industry, semiconductors, and sustainable growth…reports Asian Lite News

In a notable gathering held in New Delhi on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, and Theodora Gentzis, Secretary-General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, convened to discuss strategies for deepening economic and political collaboration among India, Belgium, and the European Union (EU). The talks were centered on strengthening ties, with special attention given to sectors such as the diamond industry, semiconductors, and sustainable growth.

EAM Jaishankar expressed his contentment over hosting Gentzis, highlighting the discussions on mutual economic and political interests.

“Pleased to receive Secretary General @BelgiumMFA Theodora Gentzis today. Discussed strengthening economic and political cooperation between India, Belgium and the EU. Took up the concerns of our diamond industry. Also exchanged views on semiconductors and green growth,” EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.

Earlier, Gentzis also engaged with Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, discussing methods to strengthen bilateral ties.

“Pleasure meeting Ms. Theodora Gentzis, Secretary General at Belgium MFA today. Reiterated our commitment to further deepen our close, friendly and multifaceted ties,” MoS Lekhi posted on X after their meeting on Monday (April 8, 2024).

These discussions are a continuation of the diplomatic engagement following last month’s telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian PM Alexander De Croo, where both leaders deliberated on advancing the India-EU Partnership under the Belgian Presidency.

The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral partnership in diverse sectors including trade, investment, clean technologies, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, green hydrogen, IT, defence, ports, among other others, the MEA said after their conversation on March 26, 2024.

Historically, Belgium was one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic ties with independent India in September 1947. The relationship has been marked by high-level visits, shared democratic values, and robust economic engagement. Trade, particularly in diamonds, has been a significant aspect of the bilateral relations, complemented by investments and cooperation in various sectors like science and technology, renewable energy, and education.

The latest discussions reinforce the commitment of both nations to strengthen the strategic partnership, with an emphasis on technology, environment-friendly growth, and trade, continuing the legacy of cooperation and mutual respect that has characterized India-Belgium relations for decades. (India News Network )

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India, Luxembourg launch Joint Commemorative Stamp

India and Luxembourg enjoy close, warm, and friendly relations, rooted in a shared commitment to the Rule of Law, democratic values, and development…reports Asian Lite News

Celebrating 75 years of friendship, India and Luxembourg launched a Joint Commemorative Stamp, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the relationship.

Taking to Twitter, Minister of State (MoS) External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi said, “Delighted to release the Joint Commemorative Stamp with MoS for Communications @devusinh Ji and Ambassador of Luxembourg @LUinIndia as part of celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations. Highlighted the multifaceted nature of the India-Luxembourg relationship.” “Also, outlined the contribution made by renowned artist Amar Nath Sehgal to the people-to-people ties between two countries,” she added.

India and Luxembourg enjoy close, warm, and friendly relations, rooted in a shared commitment to the Rule of Law, democratic values, and development.

Earlier, then Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Retd.) Vijay Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation to the 12th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Luxembourg from November 4-7, 2015.

India and Luxembourg have longstanding cooperation in the steel sector. Luxembourg Company Paul Wurth Company has been in India for the last two decades and playing an important role in upgrading the steel sector in India in collaboration with SAIL, TISCO, Jindal Steel, etc.

The bilateral trade between India and Luxembourg, during January-September 2015, stood at Euro 34.98 million as against Euro 28.04 million during the same period in 2014. India’s export to Luxembourg declined from Euro 5.86. million in January-September 2014 to Euro 4.60 million during the same period in 2015 while the imports increased from Euro 22.18 million in January-September 2014 to Euro 29.38 million in 2015 during the same period.

The Indian Diaspora in Luxembourg numbers around 1,000. There are nearly 500 Indian passport holders who work in Arcelor-Mittal, IT, banking, and other service sectors. Indian students also have started coming to Luxembourg for research and post-doctoral studies.

On Monday, the MoS inaugurated the two-day international conference on “Shared Buddhist Heritage” that began in New Delhi with a focus on India’s civilizational connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) nations 2023.

Meenakashi Lekhi said that SCO is an international body comprising 8 countries including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. (ANI)

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Europe India News

Hindu Forum of Europe celebrates Diwali in Luxembourg

Diwali celebrations in Luxembourg

Luxembourg witnessed a vibrant Diwali recently where attendees from Luxembourg, different parts of Europe, and the UK have congregated to celebrate the festival.

The celebrations began with an offering to five macro elements (fire, water, wind, earth, and ether), prayers, and the blowing of the conch by Krishna Kripa Dasa. Dr. Lakshmi Vyas, President of Hindu Forum Europe outlined the history and activities of HFE since its inception in 2006.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India to Belgium and Luxembourg Debasish Prusty extended Diwali greetings to all and highlighted that the festival is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Prayers at Diwali by Krishna Krupa Dasa

The inaugural had classical dance presentations- Kathak by Arsha and Bharatanatyam by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, followed by a classical Tamil song by Mrs. Uma Rangarajan. The cultural program also included Bharatanatyam by Vedhikha, songs by young Om Sankar and Diya Ganesh, and semi-classical Bollywood dances by Nishi Joshi-Bhatt and a local young troupe.

Help and support from various people were acknowledged on the occasion, and a vote of thanks was rendered. The evening concluded with an Indian meal provided by the restaurant Kripa.

The event was co-organised by Hindu Forum Luxembourg spearheaded by Ambi Venkataraman and team, who also highlighted the activities of HFL and the plan to build a Shiva Vishnu Hindu Temple in Luxembourg. There were also other presentations of communal interest made on the occasion.

Swami Rameshwarananda and Dr Lakshmi Vyas with Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Debasish
Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Debasish Prusty with Organisers and Members
Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Debasish Prusty
Classical Dance by Vedhikha