King of Belgium recalls his backpacker days in Bengal

Referring to the Europalia-India festival on Indian culture, set to open in Brussels before it makes its way across Europe between October and January next year, the King said this was "an opportunity in the capital of Europe to approach the mysteries of another culture".

Philippe said he was grateful that Mukherjee had come from India to "underline the importance of ties between the two countries which is also a dialogue between two cultures". He also complimented the 78-year-old President, describing him as a "consensus builder in India".

Mukherjee thanked the monarch.