Prime Minister Modi and Belgium PM Bart De Wever held bilateral discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats before Modi hosted a luncheon for the visiting delegation. The talks covered the broad spectrum of India-Belgium relations, with both leaders seeking to expand cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and people-to-people domains.
The leaders recalled the sacrifice of more than 9,000 Indian soldiers in Flanders Fields during the First World War. They also highlighted Belgium’s early diplomatic engagement with India after establishing relations in 1947.
With the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching in 2027, both sides expressed confidence that the occasion would provide an opportunity to further showcase the deep and expanding partnership.
Strategic Dialogue Strengthens Bilateral Framework
The two leaders welcomed the launch of the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 15, 2026. Co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries, the mechanism provides a regular platform to advance cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, security, connectivity, green transition and people-to-people relations.
They also welcomed forthcoming Foreign Office Consultations to carry forward priorities identified through the Strategic Dialogue.
Both countries reiterated their support for effective multilateralism centred on the United Nations Charter. Belgium reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
India and Belgium also agreed to support each other’s bids for non-permanent membership of the Security Council, with India seeking the 2028-29 term and Belgium the 2037-38 term.
India-EU FTA Seen as Historic Economic Opportunity
Modi and De Wever reaffirmed the importance of the India-EU Strategic Partnership to their bilateral relationship. They welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement at the India-EU Summit in January 2026.
The leaders called for early completion of negotiations on the EU-India Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.
They described the FTA as a major milestone and stressed timely implementation to expand trade, investment, market access and diversified supply chains.
Both sides also welcomed progress under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council and endorsed the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030.
Trade, Investment and Port Cooperation Expand
The two Prime Ministers highlighted opportunities arising from the complementary strengths of the Indian and Belgian economies and expressed their ambition to double bilateral trade within five years.
They welcomed cooperation across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences, renewable energy, defence, aerospace, logistics, ports, clean technology, chemicals, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and critical minerals.
The historic diamond trade connecting Antwerp with Mumbai and Surat was also highlighted as an important pillar of economic relations.
The leaders welcomed greater cooperation in port development, logistics, connectivity, dredging and offshore wind infrastructure. They also supported enhanced collaboration between Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre and India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority.
Defence and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Gets Stronger
Belgium conveyed solidarity with India in combating terrorism and condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Both leaders called for stronger international action against terrorist networks, financing and safe havens.
India and Belgium expressed their intention to explore establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
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On defence, the two countries welcomed a Letter of Intent establishing a framework for regular exchanges, staff talks, training, research and defence-industrial cooperation.
The planned visit of Belgian frigate LEOPOLD I to India from November 5 to 8, 2026, along with defence study exchanges planned for 2026-27, was welcomed as an opportunity to deepen military cooperation.
Green Energy, AI and Semiconductor Cooperation
India and Belgium renewed their commitment to renewable energy cooperation, including green hydrogen, solar power, energy storage, offshore wind, bio-energy and pumped storage.
The two sides also emphasised the strategic importance of green hydrogen for decarbonisation, energy security and sustainable growth.
Cooperation in semiconductors and advanced technologies received further attention, with both leaders encouraging deeper engagement between Indian institutions and Belgium’s imec ecosystem.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen startup cooperation through the MeitY Startup Hub, Hub Brussels and other innovation and skilling platforms.
Mobility, Education and People-to-People Links
The leaders stressed the importance of faster and more efficient visa processing as exchanges between India and Belgium increase. Belgium is reinforcing visa delivery services in India.
They welcomed initiatives promoting legal mobility pathways for skilled professionals, students and researchers and encouraged airlines to explore direct connectivity between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi invited leading Belgian universities to establish campuses in India under the National Education Policy.
The leaders also encouraged cooperation in vocational education, apprenticeships, emerging skills, healthcare and diplomatic training.
Ukraine and West Asia Discussed
The two leaders exchanged views on international developments, including Ukraine and West Asia. Both supported dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law.
On West Asia, they stressed peaceful diplomatic engagement and the importance of secure maritime routes and uninterrupted commercial shipping.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger India-Belgium partnership based on democracy, rule of law, human rights, gender equality and a rules-based international order.
At the conclusion of the talks, Prime Minister De Wever invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Belgium at a mutually convenient time, signalling continued momentum in relations between India and Europe.
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