New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Thursday and agreed to further expand and deepen the India-Belgium partnership across trade, investment, defence, technology, clean energy and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders discussed the full range of bilateral relations during De Wever’s first visit to India since taking office in February 2025.
Modi and De Wever welcomed the launch of the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 15, 2026, according to an official statement.
They said the dialogue would provide a regular mechanism to advance cooperation in trade and investment, green transition, technology, connectivity, defence, security and people-to-people ties.
The leaders also welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement during the India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026. They called for its timely implementation and urged early conclusion of negotiations on the EU-India Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.
The two prime ministers expressed their determination to double bilateral trade over the next five years. They identified opportunities for cooperation in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, defence, aeronautics and space, logistics, transport, ports, cleantech, advanced materials, manufacturing and digital technologies.
They also welcomed the launch of the India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism. The mechanism will facilitate investments from both countries, address investment bottlenecks and support a more conducive environment for long-term economic cooperation.
The leaders further welcomed cooperation between Belgium’s SFPIM and India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. They looked forward to formalising their collaboration to help establish an Indo-Belgian economic and investment corridor.
Defence and security emerged as another key area of cooperation. De Wever conveyed Belgium’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism and condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The two leaders agreed to explore the establishment of a Belgium-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. They also welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the two Defence Ministries for regular exchanges, staff talks, education and training, research cooperation and defence-industrial partnerships.
India and Belgium also welcomed growing defence-industrial cooperation, including opportunities for defence manufacturing, technology, innovation, co-development and co-production.
The two sides noted plans for further military and maritime exchanges. These include the planned visit of Belgian Frigate LEOPOLD I to India from November 5 to 8, 2026.
On law enforcement cooperation, the leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between India’s Central Bureau of Investigation and Belgium’s Federal Police. The agreement covers cooperation against transnational organised crime, cybercrime and related matters.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and green hydrogen. They welcomed a renewed MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation covering areas such as green hydrogen, solar energy, energy storage, offshore wind, bio-energy, small hydropower and pumped storage plants.
The leaders also backed deeper cooperation in semiconductor technologies. They encouraged engagement between India’s micro-electronics ecosystem and Belgium’s imec to develop stronger partnerships and resilient technology ecosystems.
Artificial intelligence, startups and digital skills were also discussed. Both sides agreed to continue collaboration between the MeitY Startup Hub and Hub Brussels, along with other startup hubs and skilling centres.
On connectivity and mobility, the leaders stressed the need for efficient visa services as exchanges between India and Belgium grow. They also encouraged airlines to explore establishing direct air connectivity between the two countries.
The two sides welcomed cooperation in healthcare, including initiatives supporting the mobility of qualified Indian nurses to Belgium. They also encouraged continued discussions towards signing an MoU on Mobility and Migration.
Modi invited leading Belgian universities and academic institutions to open campuses in India under the country’s New Education Policy. The two sides also agreed to explore cooperation in skill development and technical and vocational education and training.
The leaders exchanged views on international developments, including Ukraine and West Asia. On Ukraine, both sides supported efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
On West Asia, they stressed dialogue and diplomatic engagement. They also highlighted the importance of safe maritime routes and unimpeded maritime shipping.
The two PMs reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-Belgium partnership based on democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality and a rules-based international order.
De Wever also invited Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Belgium at a mutually convenient time.
