Why in News?
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India from 2–4 September 2026 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the visit, the two countries reviewed their bilateral partnership and agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, defence, counter-terrorism, clean energy, technology, science and people-to-people ties.
Key Outcomes
Strategic Dialogue
- India and Belgium launched their first India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels in July 2026.
- The dialogue will provide a regular platform to discuss trade, investment, technology, defence, security, connectivity and people-to-people relations.
Trade and Investment
- Both sides agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
- The India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism was launched to facilitate investments and address business-related bottlenecks.
- India’s NIIF and Belgium’s SFPIM are working towards creating an Indo-Belgian economic and investment corridor.
- Cooperation will expand in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, semiconductors, critical minerals, defence, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and nuclear energy.
- The two countries also reaffirmed the importance of the Antwerp–Mumbai–Surat diamond trade.
Defence and Security Cooperation
- Belgium expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025.
- Both sides agreed to explore a Belgium-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
- A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was signed, covering military exchanges, training, education, research and defence-industrial cooperation.
- Cooperation will also focus on maritime security, emerging technologies and the Indo-Pacific.
- Belgium will establish a Defence Attaché office in New Delhi, while India plans to appoint a resident Defence Attaché in Brussels.
- A Belgian frigate, LEOPOLD I, is scheduled to visit India in November 2026.
Clean Energy and Green Hydrogen
India and Belgium renewed their MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation. Key areas include:
- Green hydrogen
- Solar energy
- Energy storage
- Offshore wind
- Bioenergy
- Small hydropower
- Pumped-storage plants
The two countries will also cooperate across the green hydrogen value chain, including production, transportation, storage and industrial applications.
Technology and Innovation
- India and Belgium will deepen cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
- Indian institutions and companies will engage with Belgium’s imec and other technology organisations.
- Both sides will continue cooperation in start-up incubation, digital skills and innovation.
- Scientific cooperation will also continue in areas such as astronomy, astrophysics and space technology through the Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and Astrophysics (BINA).
Education and People-to-People Ties
- Belgium and India agreed to strengthen cooperation in higher education, skill development and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
- India invited leading Belgian universities to explore opening campuses in India under the National Education Policy framework.
- Both sides supported easier mobility for students, skilled professionals, researchers and business travellers.
- They also encouraged efforts to establish direct air connectivity between India and Belgium.
Cooperation at the United Nations
Belgium reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
India and Belgium agreed to support each other’s candidature for non-permanent UNSC membership:
- India: 2028–29
- Belgium: 2037–38
Historical and Cultural Linkages
- The leaders recalled the contribution of more than 9,000 Indian soldiers who died in Flanders Fields during World War I.
- They also noted that Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in 1947.
- The 80th anniversary of India-Belgium diplomatic relations in 2027 will provide another opportunity to strengthen these historical ties.
Significance for India
The expanding partnership with Belgium is important for India because Belgium offers opportunities in:
- Critical minerals and clean energy
- Semiconductors and advanced technology
- Defence and maritime security
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
- Ports, logistics and connectivity
- Trade and investment with Europe
