India's economic growth brings confidence, new opportunities to world: Modi

India and Belgium on Thursday agreed to significantly expand their cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and technologies following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wide-ranging talks with his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever. In his media statement, Modi highlighted India recording a 7.8 per cent growth rate in the last quarter and said the country's economic rise was a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world. The Belgian prime minister described the conclusion of the India-European Union free trade pact as a major milestone, and said New Delhi and Brussels are building a relationship that is broad and more strategic than ever before. "Today, the world is passing through a phase of great upheaval. In many parts of the world, situations of conflict persist. Food, fuel or supply chains- uncertainty is affecting every sector," Modi said. "Even in this challenging environment, India's economy has maintained its momentum. In the last quarter, we