New Delhi [India], Nov. 7:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belgium's King Philippe here on Tuesday.

Earlier today, Belgium's regal Couple, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attained an official welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, here.

Belgium's King also congregates withPresident Ram Nath Kovind in the gracious presence of Queen Mathilde, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.

Speaking to the media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Belgium's King said, "This (India) is a nation we love very much, we have several friends here."

"Been here many times, even come here for our honeymoon. This time we are here for a state visit and we expect to improve very good contacts that already exist because I think in today globalized world there's a lot we can do together,” King added.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde reached in New Delhi for a seven-day visit on Sunday.

"The visit would further make stronger the historical ties between the two nations. Belgium was also among the first European countries to set up a diplomatic mission in India after Independence," a press release by Ministry of External Affairs stated.

India is Belgium's second largest destination for selling to other countries and third largest trade partner outside the European Union.

In 2016-17, two-sided trade between the two countries amounted to USD 13.28 billion of which exports from India to Belgium accounted for USD 5.65 billion, while imports from Belgium accounted for USD 6.62 billion .