Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only going to keep his date with Brussels > despite the bomb blasts at that city’s airport and metro station on Tuesday, but is also on schedule to address a gathering of around 5000 members of the Indian diaspora in the city on March 30.
According to the chief of BJP’s foreign affairs cell, Vijay Chauthaiwale, the event is still on, as of now.
The shutting down of Brussels airport has, however, created certain problems for those involved in the organisation of the events, including Dr. Chauthaiwale, who had to fly to Frankfurt and make it to Brussels by road.
For the Prime Minister’s events abroad, the BJP coordinates with local community groups who actually host the reception.
“The event in Brussels is on as of now; we haven’t been told otherwise by the Belgian government,” said Mr. Chauthaiwale.
According to sources, of the 12,000 strong Indian community in Belgium, around 5,000 have registered for the event, which will be held at the Brussels Expo.
The Prime Minister would be attending the India-European Union summit and bilateral talks.
“There is a very strong Gujarati Patel community in Belgium due to the diamond trade, and around 1200 students,” said one of the organisers.
Published - March 26, 2016 12:04 am IST
