Belgium PM Raises Concerns Over Trade Threats to Europe, Echoing Warnings from PM Modi with Implicit Critique of China
NEW DELHI: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever emphasized the urgent need for Europe to reassess its trade dependencies, acknowledging that India had previously warned European nations about these risks. During a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, he noted that Europe is now recognizing the challenges posed by economic dependencies being used as leverage. De Wever stated, “We face the same challenges… We do not like dependencies becoming weaponized against us.”
De Wever highlighted that India’s warnings were overlooked in the past. He remarked, “Your prime minister warned Europe about this long time ago already, but he was ignored. We are listening now.” This acknowledgment comes as Europe seeks to establish a more durable strategic partnership with India amid a fragmented global economy.
Focus on Multilateralism and Cooperation
The Belgian Prime Minister pointed out that Europe is actively searching for partners who value multilateralism and cooperation based on mutual respect. He stated, “If India is not on that list, then you have missed something very fundamental. India is on that list. It’s number one.” De Wever described India as the world’s largest and fastest-growing economy, with vast potential for collaboration.
He contrasted India’s opportunities with those offered by more mature economies like Japan, emphasizing that India presents significant prospects for mutually beneficial growth. De Wever’s remarks reflect a shift in European sentiment towards India as a key player in global trade and investment.
Lessons from Trade Dependencies
De Wever characterized Europe’s recent experiences with trade dependencies as a “rude awakening.” He criticized the past complacency that allowed overcapacity to undermine Europe’s industrial base. “The country that has profited most from that practice does not lie very far from here,” he said, alluding to China. He acknowledged that India had recognized these issues earlier and had issued warnings that went unheeded.
He stressed the importance of defending national interests to maintain trust in free trade. De Wever noted that while India and Europe have different histories and strategic outlooks, their interests align in several areas. He asserted, “India is a major democratic power, a leader in innovation,” and emphasized the need for diversified trade with partners who honor their commitments.
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