‘Unfortunately, it broke!’ Belgium PM’s chocolate gift for Modi meets a sweet disaster

De Wever, who arrived in India for a three-day visit beginning September 2, had planned to present Modi with a replica of India Gate made entirely of chocolate.

However, the elaborate gift did not make it to India in one piece.

Chocolate India Gate breaks during transit

Although De Wever reached India as planned, the chocolate replica of India Gate was damaged during transit.

The Belgium Embassy in New Delhi shared a photograph of the elaborate creation on X. Handcrafted by Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus, the replica featured inscriptions honouring Indian soldiers who died during World War I and the Third Afghan War.

The embassy wrote on X, "The viral India Gate made of chocolate you were wondering about… PM @Bart_DeWever had hoped to present this sweet Belgian creation to PM @narendramodi. Unfortunately, it broke! But PM is determined that it finds its way to PM Modi & India — next time!"

Modi, De Wever hold bilateral talks

The chocolate mishap came during De Wever's first official visit to India since becoming Belgium's Prime Minister in February 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met De Wever in New Delhi on September 3, with the two leaders holding bilateral and delegation-level talks on strengthening India-Belgium relations.

Trade, technology and investment in focus

The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, technology, connectivity and people-to-people ties.

The two sides also welcomed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and agreed to further expand economic cooperation.

A key outcome of the talks was the decision to establish an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate Belgian investments in India.

Modi also said India and Belgium had set a target of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.

Defence cooperation discussed

Defence and security also featured prominently in the discussions.

India and Belgium agreed to strengthen military exchanges, training and capacity-building, while also discussing maritime security and cooperation in emerging defence technologies.

Ukraine, West Asia and counter-terrorism

Modi and De Wever also exchanged views on international developments, including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the significance of maritime security. They also reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism.

Despite the broken chocolate gift, De Wever remained determined to ensure that the India Gate replica eventually reaches India and PM Modi.