Belgian PM says wanted to bring chocolate replica of India Gate for PM Modi, explains why he couldn't - Moneycontrol.com

**Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s sweet‑tooth gesture fell short of the planned treat for Narendra Modi** During his recent state visit to New Delhi, Prime Minister De Croo told reporters that he had ordered a life‑size chocolate replica of the India Gate as a playful diplomatic gift for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It was meant to be a light‑hearted symbol of the strong ties between our peoples,” the Belgian leader said, adding that the confection was prepared by a renowned chocolatier in Brussels. However, strict Indian customs regulations on the import of edible items, coupled with the tight schedule of the visit, forced the delegation to leave the edible monument behind. “We were told that the chocolate would need to clear a lengthy inspection, and there wasn’t enough time before the programme began,” De Croo explained.

The visit, which also featured a **India‑Belgium Joint Statement**, highlighted a broadening partnership that stretches from trade and investment to technology and climate cooperation. Both leaders praised the recent surge in bilateral commerce, noting that Belgium ranks among the top EU investors in India, while Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and services to Europe have risen sharply. In a complementary development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Belgian counterpart, Theo Francken, in Delhi to discuss expanding security collaboration, underscoring that the two countries are seeking deeper cooperation beyond traditional economic domains.

The diplomatic tour arrived against a backdrop of heightened sensitivity around arms exports. India recently cautioned Belgium—making it the latest European Union state—to ensure that any defence equipment supplied does not end up in the hands of Pakistan, reiterating its “zero‑tolerance” stance on illicit transfers. Brussels offered assurances that its licensing procedures are robust, a point that was reiterated during the talks. While the chocolate gate never made it onto the table, the overall tone of the visit was one of optimism, with both sides signalling readiness to deepen ties across multiple sectors.