What New Opportunities Await as India and Belgium Strengthen Ties?

Strengthening India-Belgium Relations

New Delhi: On Thursday, India and Belgium committed to enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including trade, defense, critical minerals, and clean energy, following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

During a press briefing, Modi emphasized India's impressive 7.8% economic growth in the previous quarter, portraying the nation's progress as a beacon of confidence and fresh opportunities for the global community.

De Wever hailed the finalization of the India-European Union free trade agreement as a significant achievement, noting that the relationship between New Delhi and Brussels is evolving into a broader and more strategic partnership.

Modi remarked, "The world is currently experiencing significant turmoil, with ongoing conflicts affecting various regions. Every sector, from food to fuel, is facing challenges due to this uncertainty."

He continued, "Despite these challenges, India's economy has sustained its growth trajectory, and our story is becoming a source of optimism and new possibilities for the world."

The Prime Minister identified defense and security collaboration as a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship, stating, "We have agreed to enhance military exchanges and training initiatives between our nations. The agreements between our governments and defense sectors will pave the way for new avenues in defense co-development and co-production."

Modi also highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation in combating crime, stating, "We will bolster our collaboration in this area."

He noted that the connections between the people of both nations represent the "greatest strength" of their partnership, with both sides agreeing to foster ties between startups and enhance capacity building in the maritime sector.

Additionally, Modi announced plans to strengthen university and research collaborations, mentioning a forthcoming 'Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement' to facilitate talent movement.

He reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, stating, "Both India and Belgium uphold the principles of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. We support all efforts aimed at achieving peace and ending conflicts swiftly."

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to combat all forms of terrorism.

Modi outlined the shared priorities of India and Belgium, focusing on high technology and clean energy cooperation.

"A sustainable energy future and dependable supply chains are our mutual priorities. The memorandum of understanding signed today on renewable energy will invigorate our sustainability efforts," he stated.

He added, "In the realm of critical minerals, we have agreed to enhance cooperation in processing and recycling. Belgium's expertise in semiconductors complements India's scale effectively."

De Wever's visit builds on the Belgian Economic Mission to India led by Princess Astrid in March of the previous year, during which around 40 agreements were established.

An official noted that De Wever's visit will further solidify Belgium's pivotal role in strengthening India-EU relations.

India and Belgium share a rich historical connection that spans over three centuries, with Belgium being one of the first European nations to establish diplomatic ties with independent India in September 1947.

Belgium stands as a vital economic partner for India within Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 13.01 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26. The diamond trade, particularly with Antwerp as a global diamond hub, remains a key component of this commerce. Furthermore, Belgium is a significant source of foreign direct investment in India, with inflows amounting to approximately USD 4.2 billion from April 2000 to December 2025.

In July, India and Belgium further enhanced their political engagement by initiating a new ministerial-level strategic dialogue. The inaugural Belgium-India strategic dialogue took place in Brussels on July 15, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot.

This dialogue establishes a new institutional framework for advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing regional and global issues. India and Belgium have developed partnerships in renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainability, with Belgian company John Cockerill constructing an electrolyser production facility in Kakinada, expected to have a capacity of 2 GW.

Belgium's status as a major European maritime and logistics hub presents further opportunities for collaboration in ports, shipping, and supply chains.