PM expresses solidarity with families of Brussels terror attack victims

Brussels (Belgium): Expressing solidarity with families of the victims of Brussels terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India shares the pain of people of Belgium as it has experienced terrorist violence on several occasions.

Addressing a joint statement with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel, Prime Minister Modi said India understands the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last 8 days.

“My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones to the terror strikes in Brussels last week. Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain. Mr. Prime Minister, in this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people,” he said.

“I deeply appreciate your welcome and the time that you have devoted to me despite pressing demands on you. As part of our efforts to respond to this common challenge we could resume discussions on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Negotiations on Extradition Treaty and a Treaty on Exchange of Sentenced Prisoners could be concluded expeditiously,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi earlier paid tribute to the victims of the deadly terror attacks at the Maelbeek metro station and laid a wreath at the site.

At least 32 people were killed and over 300 were injured after two bombs exploded at the Brussels airport and one went off at the Maelbeek metro station in the Belgian city on March 22.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Brussels for the first leg of his three nation tour of Belgium, United States and Saudi Arabia, this morning where he will participate in the European Union-India Summit India-EU Summit and hold bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel.

ANI