MEA | Bilateral/Multilateral Documents 3 of 5 https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/26574/IndiaBelgium+Joint+Statement+d... deal with terrorism emanating from their territory or territories under their control. Both sides reiterated that there should be zero tolerance for terrorism-related activities including those that are sponsored by state actors and entities and where terrorism is used as an instrument of state policy. Reaffirming that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, India and Belgium resolved to work together to better understand the phenomenon of radicalization, and counter the misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and violent extremism or perpetrating terrorist acts. Agreeing to facilitate regular exchanges of civil society to promote the values of peace, tolerance and inclusion, the two Leaders reaffirmed their shared conviction that the values of humanism will prevail in countering the divisive propaganda of hatred and intolerance espoused by the forces of extremism and terrorism. Recognizing the need for enhanced cooperation in criminal matters, they committed to begin negotiations on bilateral agreements for Mutual Legal Assistance, Extradition and Transfer of Sentenced Persons at an early date. Economic cooperation The two Prime Ministers welcomed the robust bilateral economic engagement between the two countries and took positive note of Belgium being India’s second largest trade partner in goods in the EU and India being Belgium’s second largest export destination outside the EU. Recognizing the importance of the diamond sector in bilateral trade and the ongoing cooperation in the framework of the Kimberley Process, they resolved to further consolidate this mutually beneficial partnership. They committed to further strengthening the economic engagement by diversifying the bilateral trade basket and expanding investment ties. The Leaders recognized the key role of the services sector in the two economies, and encouraged partnerships between services sector industries particularly in the areas of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals and Renewable Energy. They acknowledged the valuable contributions made by skilled workers to the service sectors of the two economies and the importance of smooth movement of skilled personnel in the framework of people to people exchanges. The Leaders recognized the importance of global cross-border transfer of information by electronic means for business purposes and resolved to address regulatory issues They agreed on the need to tap into the full potential of the EU-India strategic partnership and looked forward to the resumption of negotiations on the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement on mutually-agreed terms. The two Leaders discussed the various flagship development initiatives launched by the Government of India and agreed to explore enhanced cooperation in these areas, especially the Smart Cities and the Clean Ganga programmes including the management of water resources in the Ganga River basin. 21.02.23, 16:25