‘Chocolate is excellent for diplomacy’: Belgian PM’s India Gate gift for PM Modi melts away on the journey, but the sweet message remains - The Times of India

**Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s chocolate tribute to Narendra Modi arrived at India’s iconic India Gate only to melt en route, underscoring both the fragility and the sweetness of diplomatic gestures.** The 2‑kilogram block of artisanal pralines, sourced from Belgium’s famed chocolate region, was meant to symbolize “the richness of our bilateral ties” and was displayed in a climate‑controlled case before being dispatched to New Delhi. However, a combination of high ambient temperatures and a delayed customs clearance caused the gift to soften and partially liquefy by the time it was handed over at the ceremonial welcome, prompting chuckles from officials on both sides. De Croo, who later remarked that “chocolate may melt, but the spirit of cooperation does not,” used the incident to highlight the enduring warmth of Europe‑India relations despite logistical hiccups.

The chocolate episode arrived amid a more substantive agenda, as De Croo warned Europe of an emerging trade threat linked to China’s aggressive pricing of commodities, a concern that resonated with Indian industry leaders. In a joint press briefing, the Belgian premier warned that “unfair dumping by China could erode the competitive edge of European manufacturers,” a veiled critique that echoed Brussels’ ongoing investigations into subsidised Chinese exports. While Belgium’s statement was framed as a call for “level‑playing fields” in global trade, it also signalled a willingness to align with India, which has similarly raised alarms over Chinese market dominance in sectors ranging from electronics to renewable energy.

Beyond trade, the two nations cemented a deeper strategic partnership by signing defence contracts covering rocket propulsion systems, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and tank turret upgrades. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, present at the signing ceremony, welcomed the deals but cautioned that technology transfers must respect India’s security protocols, explicitly seeking assurance that Belgium would not engage in any defence cooperation with Pakistan. The Belgian Ministry of Defence confirmed it has no ongoing projects with Islamabad, reinforcing the “transparent and responsible” nature of the collaboration. The agreements, valued at approximately €800 million, are expected to boost indigenous production capacities and further integrate European aerospace expertise into India’s defence ecosystem.