Europe rethinks trade ties after ignoring India’s warning, Belgian PM says

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Europe ignored India's earlier warnings about the dangers of excessive trade dependence and is now rethinking its economic ties, during a visit to New Delhi. De Wever acknowledged India had recognized the risks before Europe, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for warning European leaders long ago. He said Europe is now drawing lessons from its experience, as economic relationships are increasingly used as instruments of pressure. De Wever positioned India as Europe's top trusted partner for building diversified economic relationships, while the two countries also signed 10 defence cooperation agreements. He argued India and Europe could choose partnership over being forced into camps amid global uncertainty.