Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever on Thursday reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, technology and clean energy, setting a target of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. The two leaders held talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, covering trade and investment, defence, innovation, semiconductors, fintech, critical minerals, academic and research cooperation and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments. The meeting came during De Wever’s first visit to India since assuming office in February 2025 and the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to the country in two decades.
Trade target set
India and Belgium agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years and make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular mechanism. An Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies in India has also been established.
The two sides agreed to strengthen engagement among financial, fintech and regulatory institutions, while exploring opportunities in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, sustainable industries, critical minerals and nuclear energy. The leaders also welcomed growing cooperation in semiconductors, with plans to connect Belgium’s IMEC research institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem. The longstanding diamond trade linking Antwerp with Mumbai and Surat also figured in discussions, with both sides agreeing to strengthen the sector while diversifying economic ties into newer areas.
Defence ties expand
Defence and security emerged as another major area of cooperation, with the two countries agreeing to expand military exchanges and training. Agreements between governments and defence industries are expected to create opportunities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation in combating crime. De Wever reiterated Belgium’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism and condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
An MoU on renewable energy was among the agreements exchanged during the visit. India and Belgium also decided to strengthen cooperation in the processing and recycling of critical minerals as they seek more resilient supply chains.
The leaders discussed developments in Ukraine and West Asia and backed efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Belgium also reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
De Wever invited Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Belgium at a mutually convenient time.