Belgian PM's Chocolate India Gate Gift Melts During Transit

The sculpture was designed to carry significant weight, featuring an enlarged inscription honoring Indian soldiers who fought in Flanders Fields during the First World War. De Wever noted the irony of the situation, remarking that while chocolate serves as a fine tool for diplomacy, it remains ill-suited for the rigors of long-distance travel. He confirmed that a backup is already being arranged in Belgium, vowing to ensure a second version reaches the Prime Minister intact.

Beyond the culinary casualty, the visit marked a notable milestone in bilateral relations, representing the first official trip by a Belgian head of government to India in two decades. De Wever praised India’s rapid evolution into a global economic and technological powerhouse under Modi’s leadership. He emphasized that despite the scale difference, Belgium remains a vital, trade-oriented partner eager to deepen its connection with a nation that has become an influential geopolitical voice far beyond its own borders.