Modi in Brussels: As it happened on Wednesday

Brussels: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the 13th India-EU Summit in Belgium's capital Brussels. ALSO READ: PM Narendra Modi's speech at luncheon meeting in Brussels: Top 5 quotes

Pic Courtesy: PIB

Brussels: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the 13th India-EU Summit in Belgium's capital Brussels.

FULL TEXT: Press statement by PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Belgium

31 March 2016

02:26 AM

PM @narendramodi departing from Brussels, Belgium to Washington, U.S.A. pic.twitter.com/OPwNHnwbKL

— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 30, 2016

02:11 AM

PM Modi departs for Washington DC.

Thank you Brussels! An intense day of diplomacy ends as PM @narendramodi emplanes for Washington DC pic.twitter.com/szTMtjUHqO

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

02:05 AM

PM Narendra Modi goes to the crowd gathered at the venue. 

PM Narendra Modi meets Indian community members gathered to hear him speak in Brussels #ModiInBrussels pic.twitter.com/ALEpFFLiTv

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

01:54 AM

PM Modi concludes his address at Brussels. 

Delighted to interact with the diaspora at the community programme. They are India's true 'Lok Doots'. pic.twitter.com/GeakL0IW2g

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2016

01:52 AM

PM @narendramodi outlines the new benefits available to NRIs. Our community now feels connected with our Embassies pic.twitter.com/PQVRM2Cfa3

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

01:50 AM

For years OROP was promised but even when an allotment was made, it was a token amount. We changed this: PM Modi

01:41 AM

We managed to resolve the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh which had been pending for decades: PM Modi 

01:37 AM

PM @narendramodi : There was record production of milk in 2015. Also maximum investment in rail infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/AMaxZlJaKa

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

01:34 AM

Our campaign on gas subsidy led to 9 million people surrendering their subsidy, helping millions of poor families to get gas connections: PM Modi

PM @narendramodi : There was record output of coal in 2015. Also record production of electricity and record cargo handled at major ports

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

01:25 AM

Our decision to have 5% ethanol in petrol led to record production of ethanol in 2015 leading to better income for farmers: PM Modi

01:24 AM

We don't believe in vote bank politics. We work for the welfare of them too who do not vote for us: PM Modi

01:22 AM

PM Modi gives a record of the work of his government in 2015. He says it is his responsibility to give a record of his government's work to the public. 

01:17 AM

The whole world today is going through economic crisis, but everyone knows that India is the ray of hope: PM Modi

01:17 AM

Once the definition of terrorism comes in black and white, people will be deterred from following that path: PM Modi

01:16 AM

Terrorism must be de-linked from religion as no religion teaches terrorism. This message resonated from the World Sufi Forum held in Delhi: PM Modi

01:15 AM

People used to tell us we have "law & order" problem. But when they faced terrorism themselves they understood reality. India has been battling terrorism for decades. But the rest of the world recognised the danger only after 9/11: PM Modi

01:14 AM

People who believe in humanity need to come together, fight terrorism: PM Modi

There is no question of bending in front of terrorism: PM @narendramodi at the community programme in Brussels https://t.co/Iy8hu3vQmx

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2016

01:03 AM

Terrorism is a challenge for the entire humanity, not just for any nation: PM Modi

00:55 AM

I pay my condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones in the recent terror attack in Brussels: PM Modi

00:48 AM

PM Modi reaches the dais. He observes two-minute silence for those were victims of Brussels terror attack. Audience too join him.

00:22 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the venue. He will shortly address the Indian diaspora.

00:20 AM

Singer Navin Kundra enthralls the audience with some melodies.

00:15 AM

Artists perform at cultural programme ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to Indian diaspora in Brussels .

Cultural programmes ahead of PM Modi's address to Indian community in Brussels #ModiInBrussels pic.twitter.com/3ZQSZc5cAm

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

22:13 PM

PM Narendra Modi and the European Union Presidents at the working dinner

Lunch with Belgium, Dinner with the EU. PM @narendramodi and the EU Presidents at the working dinner pic.twitter.com/fjNjfv6WNr

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

22:02 PM

Loan agreement signed for Lucknow Metro with European Investment Bank

Fast-tracking urban transport. Leaders witness signing of loan agreement 4 Lucknow Metro w/ European Investm't Bank pic.twitter.com/tho3PFCBNu

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

20:33 PM

13th India-EU Summit begins with a restricted meeting

Getting down to the nuts & bolts of diplomacy. 13th #IndiaEU Summit begins with a restricted meeting. pic.twitter.com/5GpScD19o7

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

20:31 PM

PM Modi at India-EU summit with DTusk, President of European Council and European Commission President Juncker 

Celebrating the world's largest democratic entities. PM @narendramodi w/ Prez @donaldtusk & Prez @JunckerEU #IndiaEU pic.twitter.com/yl6AneoBpZ

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

20:11 PM

Extensive and fruitful discussions with PM Charles Michel; we are committed to stronger India-Belgium ties: PM Modi

Reiterated to PM @CharlesMichel that in this time of crisis, India stands in complete solidarity with the people of Belgium.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2016

Extensive & fruitful discussions with PM @CharlesMichel. We are committed to stronger India-Belgium ties. pic.twitter.com/Wmg9Ne19L4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2016

19:56 PM

Our two countries share a long history of friendship: PM Modi

PM @narendramodi: Our two countries share a long history of friendship. pic.twitter.com/gVH2XdRzP1

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

PM: I believe that a combination of Belgian capacities & India’s eco growth can produce promising opportunities for businesses on both sides

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

Reflecting on the wide range of our engagements, PM says it is not just diamonds that can bring shine to our partnership!

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

Renewable energy, S&T, space research, ICT, tourism, biotechnology, shipping & ports - PM speaks about the various aspects of cooperation

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

PM closes: I feel that a progressive path to #IndiaEU Trade & Inv't Agreement can enable all to benefit from India’s strong economic growth

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

19:53 PM

Let me say Mr PM, we share depth of sorrow and grief that people of Belgium have experienced. In this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people: PM Narendra Modi

PM @narendramodi: In this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

19:51 PM

ARIES project not just a Govt to Govt initative. It is a win-win collaboration between private sectors as well: PM

Before Press Statement, PM @narendramodi speaks about ARIES, says even the sky is not the limit for the project pic.twitter.com/jXTRjl7Hib

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

Indian expertise, Belgian execution. The PMs activate the ARIES telescope, built with Belgian assistance pic.twitter.com/qIURGxp3o5

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

All set for a unique scientific collab'n: the PMs to remotely activate the Aryabhatta Research Institute Tele-scope pic.twitter.com/OPL9zHhFOP

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

18:37 PM

PM Modi invites everyone to explore opportunities in India. 

PM @narendramodi closes by inviting everyone to explore opp's in India, the fastest growing economy in the world pic.twitter.com/3WggP69nXR

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

18:03 PM

The scourge of terrorism increasing, imp for all nations to fight this menace. India has been battling it for 40 years, says PM Modi

PM @narendramodi: The scourge of terrorism increasing, imp for all nations to fight this menace. India has been battling it for 40 years.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

17:56 PM

We have ties of blood with Belgium. 100 years ago 130,000 soldiers from India fought in Belgium and 9000 made the Supreme sacrifices: PM Narendra Modi

17:23 PM

PM Narendra Modi meets leading Belgian CEOs at Egmont Palace

An all star lineup for business. PM @narendramodi is introduced to leading Belgian CEO's at Egmont Palace pic.twitter.com/AA5H5wvQ7X

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

16:21 PM

PM Narendra Modi is now holding restricted talks with his Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel.

Working together with an imp partner in Europe. PM @narendramodi & Belgian PM @CharlesMichel hold restricted talks pic.twitter.com/nOHWYQkm1m

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

16:21 PM

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the parade at the Egmont Palace #ModiInBrusselshttps://t.co/faz6nfHwG5

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

16:10 PM

Ceremonial Honours precede the commencement of business. PM @narendramodi inspects the parade at the Egmont Palace pic.twitter.com/rOWSBIeNsV

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

16:09 PM

At Maalbek Metro Station, PM @narendramodi remembers India's Raghavendran Ganeshan & other victims of tragic attack pic.twitter.com/Ph0Pr99DhV

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

16:04 PM

In remembrance of those men and women who lost their lives due to mindless violence in Brussels. pic.twitter.com/tDHtAzzB6u

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2016

16:03 PM

At a time of grief, India stands in solidarity. Before offic'l engagements, PM lays wreath at Maalbek metro station pic.twitter.com/CrhMEhZ11S

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

16:00 PM

Brussels(Belgium): PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to victims of the Malbeek Metro station blast #brusselsattacks pic.twitter.com/mR6mAy66JD

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

15:58 PM

PM Narendra Modi is now at Maelbeek Metro station in Brussels, to pay tribute to victims of last week's blast.

15:40 PM

A group of Indologists interact with PM @narendramodi in Brussels. pic.twitter.com/n6HXAGsCVr

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2016

15:30 PM

PM Narendra Modi will shortly pay tribute to victims of the Maelbeek Metro station blast.

Brussels(Belgium): PM Modi to pay tribute to victims of the Maelbeek Metro station blast shortly #brusselsattacks pic.twitter.com/NcLJBOAWuL

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

14:50 PM

In his first engagement of the day, PM Narendra Modi meets select members of the European & Belgian Parliaments.

The round of meetings begin with an interaction with Members of European Parliament and Belgian Parliament. pic.twitter.com/rPaAAhliVz

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2016

12:00 PM

In Brussels, PM Narendra Modi will today also lay a wreath at the Maelbeek Metro Station, one of the sites of last week's terror attack. Indian national and Infosys employee Raghavendran Ganesan was killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a train at Maelbeek Metro Station last Tuesday.

10:20 AM

PM Narendra Modi greets people in Brussels (Belgium) #ModiInBrussels pic.twitter.com/fWBtpuzciF

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

09:50 AM

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded guard of honour after he arrives in Brussels (Belgium) #ModiInBrusselshttps://t.co/qeXO7KIPHy

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 30, 2016

09:40 AM

A red carpet at dawn. PM @narendramodi receives a warm welcome as he arrives in Brussels pic.twitter.com/N5VwGMSE63

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016

09:35 AM

Early morning arrival for PM @narendramodi in Brussels. A series of meetings & interactions lined up for the day. pic.twitter.com/JLBuypazml

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2016

09:00 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Belgium's capital Brussels on Wednesday, just days after it was rocked by a deadly terror attack in which 32 people were killed and nearly 100 injured.

PM Modi is in Brussels to take part in the 13th India-EU Summit.

He will also travel to the United States and Saudi Arabia as part of his three-nation tour.

"An invigorating mix of bilateral & multilateral diplomacy in the offing as PM @narendramodi departs on 3 nation tour," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had tweeted on Tuesday after PM Modi departed from New Delhi.

In Brussels, the PM is also expected to sign several agreements with EU member nations.

Apart from holding bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel, Modi will also meet the Members of European Parliament (MEPs), Indologists, Belgian CEOs as well as a wide cross section of the Indian diaspora in Belgium. He would also interact with the Board Members of the Association of Diamond Traders in Belgium.

In the evening, he will address a community programme and interact with the Indian diaspora.

In his pre-departure statement, PM Modi said the India-EU Summit will advance multi-faceted engagement across a whole range of sectors and described the 28-member European Union as a "vital trading partner".

In Washington, Modi will attend the Nuclear Security Summit on March 31 and April 1 and from there, he will travel to Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit with a focus on boosting energy and security cooperation.