Europe waking up to Modi's warning 'a bit late': Belgian PM - The Times of India

**Europe’s Trade Wake‑Up Call After Modi’s Warning, Says Belgian Prime Minister**

*Brussels –* Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters in Mumbai on 30 April that Europe is finally “waking up” to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cautionary message about looming trade threats, but that the response has come “a bit late.” De Croo referred to Modi’s remarks at the recent India‑EU Economic Forum, where the Indian leader warned that escalating protectionist policies – particularly the United States’ tariffs on steel, aluminium and high‑tech goods – could force Europe to choose between its own markets and the growing Indian economy. The Belgian premier said the European Union is now reassessing its tariff structures to avoid a “trade shock” that could hurt both sides, while also underscoring the need for a coordinated policy that does not pit Europe against emerging markets.

The Belgian delegation’s visit to Mumbai was met with enthusiastic applause, especially after De Croo pledged to champion the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges as a primary gateway for Indian goods entering Europe. He highlighted the port’s state‑of‑the‑art logistics, deep‑water berths and direct rail links to the European hinterland, positioning it as a cost‑effective alternative to traditional Mediterranean routes. While he stopped short of naming any specific U.S. officials, De Croo’s comments were widely interpreted as a veiled reference to President Donald Trump’s earlier tariff escalations, which have strained trans‑Atlantic supply chains and prompted European leaders to seek diversified trade corridors.

Beyond the commercial dialogue, the two governments signed a series of defence contracts during the visit, encompassing the supply of Airbus‑derived rockets, drone systems and upgraded tank turrets from Belgian firms to the Indian armed forces. The agreements, announced by both ministries, are seen as a deepening of strategic ties that mirror the broader push for “multifaceted partnership” between Brussels and New Delhi. Analysts note that the convergence of trade, infrastructure and defence collaborations signals a concerted effort to balance Europe’s traditional reliance on China and the United States with a more diversified engagement with fast‑growing economies such as India.