Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever had planned an unusual diplomatic gift for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India visit — a replica of Delhi’s iconic India Gate crafted entirely from Belgian chocolate.
However, the elaborate chocolate sculpture failed to survive the journey to India.
The Belgian Embassy in India shared an image of the damaged creation on X on Friday, saying De Wever had intended to present it to Modi but that the sculpture broke while being transported.
The Belgian prime minister also spoke about the mishap during a joint press conference with Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday.
De Wever said he had wanted to present Modi with a chocolate replica of India Gate as a symbolic gift. He joked that while chocolate could help strengthen diplomatic ties, it was apparently less suited to diplomatic travel.
Despite the setback, De Wever said the gift would still reach Modi. He revealed that a second sculpture is being kept in Belgium and expressed his determination to eventually deliver it intact.
Why India Gate was chosen
The choice of India Gate was intended to carry a deeper historical message rather than simply serve as an unusual souvenir.
De Wever said the monument represented the historical links between India and Belgium and the countries’ future relationship. The chocolate replica also highlighted the contribution and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who fought and died in Flanders during the First World War.
Part of the inscription commemorating those Indian soldiers was enlarged on the chocolate version of the monument, according to the Belgian prime minister.
De Wever said Belgium continues to remember the courage and sacrifice of the Indian troops who travelled thousands of kilometres to fight on Belgian soil more than a century ago.
The gift therefore sought to combine Belgian chocolate-making tradition with a monument deeply associated with India’s history, while highlighting the shared wartime legacy between the two countries.
Although the first sculpture broke before it could be presented, De Wever’s promise to send the backup version ensured that the unusual diplomatic gesture was not abandoned.
