VOI World/ Desk
India and Belgium have agreed to deepen cooperation in defence and clean energy while working towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever.
De Wever’s visit marks the first by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in nearly two decades. The two leaders held bilateral talks in New Delhi, with discussions covering defence, trade and investment, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors and other areas of strategic cooperation.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to work towards doubling bilateral trade within five years. Modi also announced the establishment of an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate Belgian investments in India. Belgium accounted for around $4.2 billion in foreign direct investment inflows into India between April 2000 and December 2025.
Defence cooperation emerged as an important part of the expanding relationship. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also held bilateral talks with Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, during which the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of defence and industrial cooperation.
During the meeting, Singh specifically raised India’s concerns over the possibility of Belgian defence technology or expertise being extended to Pakistan. Francken assured the Indian side that Belgium stood firmly with India and that there was “no question” of defence cooperation with Pakistan.
The assurance assumes significance as India has raised concerns with its international partners over the transfer of defence technologies and military equipment that could strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities.
The two sides agreed to expand engagement through defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building. They also discussed regional peace and security and acknowledged the need for greater maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides reiterated that the India-Belgium partnership is based on shared values, mutual trust and respect.
India and Belgium also signed agreements to deepen cooperation in defence and renewable energy. The defence framework is expected to promote greater collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology, innovation, co-development and co-production.
The broader discussions between Modi and De Wever also focused on clean energy. The two countries renewed their cooperation in renewable energy, covering areas including green hydrogen, solar energy, energy storage and offshore wind. Critical minerals and semiconductors were also identified as important areas for deeper collaboration.
Modi highlighted India’s 7.8% economic growth in the latest quarter, describing the country’s growth story as a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world amid continuing global uncertainty.
The discussions took place at a time when global conflicts and geopolitical tensions have disrupted food, fuel and supply chains. Modi said the world was passing through a period of great upheaval, with uncertainty affecting several sectors.
De Wever’s visit resulted in a series of agreements aimed at expanding the India-Belgium partnership beyond its traditional economic relationship. With defence, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors and investment emerging as new areas of focus, the two countries are seeking to deepen their strategic engagement.
