India-Belgium Relations Enter a New Phase: PM Modi Meets Belgian PM Bart De Wever
India-Belgium Relations Enter a New Phase: PM Modi Meets Belgian PM Bart De Wever
India and Belgium are expanding their partnership beyond traditional trade into defence, clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, investment, research and technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever during their India-Belgium engagement in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever held bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 3, 2026. The discussions focused on strengthening India-Belgium cooperation across defence, trade, investment, technology, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, research and people-to-people relations.
India-Belgium Ties Enter a New and Ambitious Phase
India and Belgium are entering an important new phase in their bilateral relationship as the two countries seek to expand cooperation beyond traditional economic areas and build a broader strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, during De Wever's official visit to India. The meeting focused on a wide range of issues, including defence, trade, investment, clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, research and talent mobility.
The meeting is significant because Belgium has traditionally been an important economic partner for India, particularly in the diamond sector. However, the relationship is now expanding into areas that have greater strategic importance for both countries.
PM Modi said that India-Belgium cooperation has made remarkable progress over the past decade and that the partnership is moving beyond traditional sectors into strategic areas such as defence and clean energy.
Table of Contents
- India-Belgium Relations Enter a New Phase
- Modi-De Wever Meeting in New Delhi
- Why Bart De Wever's India Visit Matters
- Defence Cooperation
- India-Belgium Trade
- Investment and Business Cooperation
- Semiconductors and Technology
- Clean Energy Cooperation
- Critical Minerals
- Maritime and Port Cooperation
- Education and Research
- Talent Mobility and Visa Cooperation
- Diamond Trade and Antwerp
- India-EU Relations
- Global Issues
- Future of India-Belgium Relations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Highlights at a Glance
PM Modi Meets Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The meeting covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations and included discussions on economic cooperation, defence, security, investment, technology, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, research and people-to-people relations.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, international law and peaceful solutions to global challenges.
The talks represent an effort to transform a strong economic relationship into a wider strategic partnership covering security, technology, energy and innovation.
Why Bart De Wever's India Visit Is Important
Bart De Wever became Prime Minister of Belgium in February 2025. His September 2026 visit is his first visit to India as Belgian Prime Minister and was also described as the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades.
The visit is taking place at a time when India and European countries are increasingly looking to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.
De Wever is accompanied by Belgium's Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken and a high-level delegation that includes business and defence-industry representatives.
The presence of a business and defence delegation demonstrates that the visit is not limited to diplomatic discussions. It also aims to create opportunities for companies, investors and strategic industries.
India-Belgium Defence Cooperation
Defence is emerging as one of the most important new areas of India-Belgium cooperation.
During the recent discussions, both countries agreed to strengthen defence and military cooperation. Areas include military exchanges, training, industrial cooperation and greater interaction between defence institutions.
Belgian defence companies are also looking at opportunities in India's growing defence ecosystem.
Possible Areas of Cooperation
- Military exchanges
- Training programmes
- Defence technology
- Industrial partnerships
- Research and development
- Maritime security
- Advanced defence systems
This diversification is significant because the relationship between India and Belgium was historically more strongly associated with commerce, especially diamonds.
India-Belgium Trade Relations
Trade remains the foundation of the India-Belgium relationship.
According to government and media reports, bilateral trade reached around US$13 billion in 2025-26.
Diamonds remain an important component of the economic relationship because Antwerp is one of the world's major diamond centres.
However, the two countries now want to expand trade into new areas including technology, defence, clean energy, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and other high-value sectors.
India and Belgium have agreed to work toward doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
Investment and Business Cooperation
Investment is another major pillar of the emerging partnership.
India and Belgium have agreed to create mechanisms designed to make investment easier and more efficient for businesses.
Investment Fast-Track Mechanism
One important development is the establishment of an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism in India for Belgian companies.
Such a mechanism can help address business-related issues more efficiently and improve communication between investors and government authorities.
India-Belgium Business Forum
The two sides have also agreed to make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular mechanism.
A regular business forum can provide a platform for companies from both countries to identify investment opportunities, discuss challenges and explore partnerships.
Semiconductors and Technology
Semiconductors have become an increasingly important part of India's economic and strategic agenda.
Belgium has advanced capabilities and expertise in semiconductor-related research, technology and industrial ecosystems. India, meanwhile, is building its domestic semiconductor manufacturing and technology capabilities.
Greater cooperation could create opportunities in areas such as research, manufacturing, skills, supply chains and advanced technology.
Modern vehicles, smartphones, computers, communication systems, defence equipment and artificial intelligence infrastructure all depend on semiconductor technology.
Clean Energy and Renewable Energy Cooperation
Clean energy is becoming another major pillar of India-Belgium cooperation.
Both countries have expressed interest in expanding collaboration in renewable energy, green technologies and sustainable development.
India is rapidly expanding its renewable-energy capacity while European countries are also working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and develop reliable clean-energy supply chains.
Potential Areas
- Renewable energy
- Green hydrogen
- Green ammonia
- Energy technology
- Clean industrial production
- Energy storage
- Sustainable supply chains
Critical Minerals Cooperation
Critical minerals are essential for modern industries and strategic technologies.
They are used in electric vehicles, batteries, renewable-energy equipment, electronics, defence systems and advanced manufacturing.
India and Belgium have agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including critical-mineral processing and recycling.
This cooperation could become increasingly important as countries seek secure and diversified supply chains.
Maritime Security, Ports and Logistics
Maritime cooperation is another emerging area of the India-Belgium relationship.
Belgium has considerable expertise in ports, dredging, shipping and maritime infrastructure, while India is investing heavily in its ports, logistics network and maritime economy.
Cooperation in this field can support stronger supply chains and more efficient movement of goods.
The two countries have also discussed capacity building and cooperation in the maritime sector.
Education, Research and Innovation
Education and scientific research are becoming increasingly important components of India-Belgium relations.
The two sides agreed to reinforce cooperation between universities and research institutions.
Potential areas include science, technology, astronomy, astrophysics, space technologies, innovation and advanced research.
University Cooperation
India has also encouraged leading Belgian universities and academic institutions to explore opportunities to establish campuses or expand their academic presence in India under the country's evolving education framework.
Talent Mobility, Students and Professionals
People-to-people relations are another important part of the new partnership.
India and Belgium are working toward improving mobility for professionals, students, researchers and business travellers.
The two sides have also discussed enhanced visa processing and better connectivity.
Cooperation in skill development, vocational education and industry-oriented training could create additional opportunities for young people and professionals.
Healthcare Cooperation
Healthcare is also part of the broader relationship, including discussions concerning the mobility of qualified Indian nurses to Belgium.
Why Diamonds Are Important in India-Belgium Relations
The diamond trade has historically played a major role in India-Belgium economic relations.
Antwerp is internationally recognised as an important diamond centre, while India has a major diamond-processing industry.
PM Modi also highlighted Bart De Wever's previous association with Antwerp and his support for the Indian community and India-Belgium diamond trade.
During his India visit, De Wever is scheduled to travel to Mumbai, including engagements connected with the diamond, ports and logistics sectors.
India-Belgium Relations and the India-EU Partnership
Belgium is an important member of the European Union, which gives the India-Belgium relationship significance beyond bilateral issues.
Closer cooperation with Belgium can also contribute to India's broader engagement with Europe and the European Union.
The current momentum comes at a time when India and the EU are seeking to strengthen economic and strategic relations.
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is another important area of interest for businesses because improved market access could create new opportunities for exporters and investors.
India and Belgium Discuss Global Issues
The discussions were not limited to trade and economic matters.
Prime Minister Modi and Pr
No comments