A chocolate replica of New Delhi's India Gate, intended as a diplomatic gift from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was damaged during its journey to India. De Wever joked about the mishap, promising a replacement.
The incident highlights the challenges of diplomatic gift-giving and international travel, while also underscoring the ongoing efforts by Belgium and India to strengthen their bilateral relationship across various sectors.
A diplomatic gift intended for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been damaged during transit. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that a chocolate replica of New Delhi's India Gate, meant to honor Indian soldiers who fought in Belgium during World War I, did not survive the journey.
De Wever made light of the situation during a press conference with Modi, noting that while the real India Gate has stood for nearly a century, the chocolate version did not withstand travel. He assured that a replacement would be sent to Modi in good condition.
This incident follows other notable diplomatic gift exchanges, including a camel given to former French President François Hollande by Mali, which was reportedly slaughtered and consumed, and two potatoes presented by then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in 2014.
Beyond the protocol hiccup, De Wever and Modi discussed deepening cooperation in areas such as defense, combating organized crime, and advancing renewable energy. De Wever also extended an invitation to Modi to visit Belgium.