Belgian PM Bart De Wever criticizes arbitrary trade tariffs in India

During an official visit to India, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever criticized the rise of protectionism and arbitrary trade policies. Speaking at the India-Belgium High-Level Dialogue in Mumbai, De Wever made veiled remarks regarding the unpredictability of certain global trade decisions, noting that some leaders impose and revoke tariffs with no economic logic. While he did not name US President Donald Trump directly, his comments were widely interpreted as a critique of the former president's trade stances.

De Wever emphasized that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is essential for building economic resilience against unilateral tariffs and supply chain shocks. He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an inspiring leader and discussed deepening bilateral ties through sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and green hydrogen.

Additionally, De Wever highlighted the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a strategic gateway for Indian exports into Europe. He noted the port's specialized infrastructure, such as unbroken cold chains for medicines, which could facilitate increased trade in food and pharmaceutical products. Indian Union Minister Piyush Goyal also noted that the FTA represents a massive opportunity for MSMEs, startups, and various industrial sectors in both regions.