New Delhi: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s unique diplomatic gift for Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with an unexpected mishap after a replica of Delhi’s India Gate, made entirely of Belgian chocolate, broke during its journey to India. De Wever had planned to present the elaborate chocolate sculpture to Modi during his official visit to India. The Belgian Embassy in India shared a photograph of the damaged creation on social media on September 4, drawing widespread attention online.
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De Wever himself referred to the incident during his joint press conference with Modi in New Delhi. He said the chocolate version could not survive the journey, unlike the original India Gate, which has stood for nearly a century. He joked that while chocolate is “excellent for diplomacy,” it is not particularly suitable for diplomatic travel. The Belgian Prime Minister, however, said he was determined to ensure that the gift eventually reaches Modi in one piece, noting that a backup version remains in Belgium.
The choice of India Gate carried a deeper historical significance. The sculpture was designed to highlight the shared history between India and Belgium, particularly the contribution and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought and died in Flanders during the First World War. Part of the inscription commemorating the soldiers was enlarged on the chocolate replica. Although the edible replica failed to complete its journey intact, the gesture highlighted the warm ties and shared historical connections between India and Belgium. The two countries have also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, defence, clean energy, critical minerals and investment.
