New Delhi, September 3: India and Belgium have agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years while expanding cooperation in defence, clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals and research, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday after talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The two countries will establish an investment fast-track mechanism for Belgian companies in India and turn the India–Belgium Business Forum into a regular platform. They also plan closer coordination among their financial, fintech and regulatory institutions.
De Wever is visiting India for the first time as Belgium’s prime minister. Welcoming him, Modi referred to his long association with India during his years as mayor of Antwerp, including his support for the city’s Indian community and the India–Belgium diamond trade.
Defence cooperation to expand
Defence and security formed a major part of the discussions. Modi said the two sides had agreed to increase military exchanges and training cooperation. Agreements involving their governments and defence industries are expected to create opportunities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
He cited work on advanced equipment such as the Zorawar tank as an example of the partnership’s move beyond traditional sectors. India and Belgium also agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation between their agencies in tackling crime.
Renewable energy and supply chains
A memorandum of understanding on renewable energy was signed during the visit. Modi said the agreement would support cooperation on sustainability, while the two countries would also work more closely on the processing and recycling of critical minerals.
The prime minister also referred to a green ammonia project being developed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, describing it as one of the largest projects of its kind in the world.
Semiconductors emerged as another priority. Modi said Belgium’s technical expertise and India’s scale complemented each other, and the two sides would seek to connect Belgium’s IMEC research institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Start-ups, universities and talent mobility
India and Belgium also agreed to strengthen links between start-ups, expand capacity building in the maritime sector and deepen cooperation among universities and research institutions.
A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement is expected to be concluded soon to make it easier for skilled people to move between the two countries.
Modi described people-to-people connections as the strongest part of the relationship. He also recalled the shared history of Indian soldiers who fought and died in Belgium during the First World War.
India–EU trade agreement opens new avenues
The talks took place against the backdrop of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded earlier this year. Modi said India’s continuing economic growth and the agreement had created new openings for economic relations with Belgium.
He said India recorded economic growth of 7.8% in the last quarter despite uncertainty affecting food, fuel and global supply chains. The country’s growth, he added, was creating confidence and opportunities at a time of conflict and economic disruption in several parts of the world.
Ukraine, West Asia and terrorism discussed
The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Modi said both countries supported the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy, as well as efforts to end the conflicts and restore peace.
India and Belgium also reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Modi said the relationship, historically associated with the diamond trade, was becoming broader and more strategic. He described the discussions as the start of a new chapter in bilateral ties.
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