India and Belgium Deepen Strategic Partnership, Expand Cooperation in Trade, Defence, Technology and Clean Energy.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, covering trade, investment, defence, counter-terrorism, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, education and people-to-people ties. De Wever is on an official visit to India from September 2 to 4, accompanied by Belgium’s Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken and a high-level delegation of officials and business leaders. It is his first visit to India since assuming office in February 2025.
De Wever paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before holding talks with Modi. The two leaders recalled the sacrifice of more than 9,000 Indian soldiers in Flanders Fields during the First World War and highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two countries. India and Belgium will mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The leaders welcomed the launch of the India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels in July 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defence, security, connectivity and green transition.
Trade and Investment
India and Belgium agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. Both sides welcomed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement concluded in January 2026 and called for early completion of negotiations on the EU-India Investment Protection Agreement and Geographical Indications Agreement.
Cooperation will be expanded in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, semiconductors, chemicals, critical minerals, defence manufacturing, nuclear energy, renewable energy, logistics, ports, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
The leaders welcomed the India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate investments and address business-related bottlenecks. They also supported greater cooperation between Belgium’s SFPIM and India’s NIIF to develop an Indo-Belgian economic and investment corridor.
Defence and Security
Belgium expressed solidarity with India in combating terrorism and condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack. Both countries agreed to explore establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
The two sides also signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen defence cooperation through staff talks, training, research and defence-industrial partnerships. Belgium will send its frigate LEOPOLD I to India from November 5-8, 2026.
Green Energy and Technology
India and Belgium renewed their cooperation framework on renewable energy, covering green hydrogen, solar power, energy storage, offshore wind, bio-energy and pumped storage.
Both sides also backed stronger cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, startups and digital skills.
Mobility and Education
The leaders called for faster visa processing and stronger mobility for skilled professionals, students, researchers and business travellers. They encouraged direct air connectivity between India and Belgium and welcomed cooperation in healthcare, including the mobility of qualified Indian nurses to Belgium.
Modi also invited leading Belgian universities to establish campuses in India under the National Education Policy.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Belgium partnership and strengthening India-Europe cooperation. De Wever invited Modi to visit Belgium at a mutually convenient time.
