India-Belgium ties get a boost
New Delhi and Brussels seek to convert strong economic links into a broader partnership built on trust
India and Belgium on Thursday agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and advanced technologies following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The discussions came against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, with conflicts and disruptions affecting food, fuel and supply chains.
PM Modi said India had maintained strong economic momentum despite the challenging international environment.
India recorded 7.8 per cent economic growth in the latest quarter, the PM said, describing the country’s economic performance as a source of confidence and fresh opportunities for the global economy.
Defence and security emerged as a key component of the bilateral discussions. PM Modi said both countries had agreed to expand military exchanges and training programmes. Cooperation between Government agencies and defence industries is also expected to create opportunities for joint development and production of defence equipment.
The two sides will further strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation between their agencies to combat crime and address security-related challenges.
People-to-people relations were described by PM Modi as a major strength of India-Belgium ties. The countries agreed to promote links between start-ups and expand capacity-building cooperation in the maritime sector. They will also seek to strengthen partnerships between universities and research institutions.
India and Belgium are working towards concluding a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which is expected to support the movement of skilled professionals and talent between the two countries.
The leaders also exchanged views on major international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated India’s support for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy and said both countries backed efforts aimed at restoring peace. India and Belgium also reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
Clean energy and critical minerals featured prominently in the discussions. PM Modi said both countries considered a clean-energy future and reliable supply chains to be shared priorities. A memorandum of understanding on renewable energy signed during the engagement is expected to provide fresh momentum to cooperation in sustainability.
The two countries also decided to enhance collaboration in critical minerals, particularly in processing and recycling. PM Modi highlighted opportunities in the semiconductor sector, saying Belgium’s technological expertise and India’s manufacturing scale could complement each other.
De Wever’s visit follows the Belgian Economic Mission to India led by Princess Astrid in March 2025, when around 40 agreements were signed. An Indian official said the latest visit would further reinforce Belgium’s role in strengthening India-European Union relations.
De Wever described the conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement as a significant milestone and said relations between Belgium and India were becoming broader and more strategic.
India and Belgium have maintained diplomatic relations since September 1947, while their historical links extend back more than three centuries. Belgium remains an important economic partner for India in Europe.
Bilateral trade reached around $13.01 billion in 2025-26. Diamond commerce remains a significant part of the relationship, with Antwerp serving as a major global diamond hub. Belgium has also been an important source of investment for India, with foreign direct investment inflows estimated at approximately $4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025.
The two countries established a ministerial-level strategic dialogue earlier this year. The inaugural Belgium-India Strategic Dialogue was held in Brussels on July 15 and co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot.
Cooperation is also expanding in renewable energy, clean technologies and maritime logistics. Belgian company John Cockerill is developing a 2 GW electrolyser manufacturing facility in Kakinada, while Belgium’s position as a major European maritime and logistics centre offers opportunities for greater collaboration in ports, shipping and supply chains.
