# Belgium-India bilateral diplomatic visit > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belgium-india-bilateral-diplomatic-visit > Updated: 2026-09-05T02:01:12.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 4. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is conducting a three-day official visit to India, from September 2 to 4, marking the first trip to the country by a Belgian Prime Minister since 2006. The delegation, which includes Defence Minister Theo Francken and various business leaders, is focused on strengthening a multifaceted partnership across strategic sectors. During delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, both nations committed to doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. To facilitate this, leaders discussed establishing an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies in India and creating a regular India-Belgium Business Forum, an investment forum, and a consular dialogue. Cooperation will be enhanced in technology, semiconductors, fintech, and critical minerals, as well as renewable energy, specifically through a large-scale green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. To support the semiconductor industry, the partnership aims to link Belgium’s IMEC institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Defence cooperation remains a central pillar. Following meetings between Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the nations agreed to increase military exchanges, training cooperation, and intelligence sharing. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed regarding defence industrial cooperation, including the co-development and co-production of military hardware. During the India-Belgium High-Level Dialogue in Mumbai, De Wever criticized the rise of protectionism and arbitrary trade policies, making remarks regarding the unpredictability of global trade decisions. He emphasized that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is essential for building economic resilience against unilateral tariffs and supply chain shocks. Additionally, De Wever highlighted the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a strategic gateway for Indian exports into Europe, particularly for pharmaceuticals and food products via specialized cold chain infrastructure. ## Claims - Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks in New Delhi. (corroborated by 21 sources) - India and Belgium aim to double bilateral trade within the next five years. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The bilateral cooperation focuses on trade, defence, renewable energy, and technology. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Belgian delegation includes Defence and Trade Minister Theo Francken. (corroborated by 10 sources) - This is the first visit to India by a Belgian Prime Minister in twenty years. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is on a three-day official visit to India. (corroborated by 7 sources) - De Wever will deliver a keynote address at a Confederation of Indian Industry event. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Prime Minister De Wever will visit Mumbai to meet with diamond, port, and logistics stakeholders. (corroborated by 7 sources) - India and Belgium plan to link Belgium’s IMEC with India’s semiconductor ecosystem. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Belgian PM Bart De Wever criticizes arbitrary trade tariffs in India Belgian PM Bart De Wever criticized arbitrary global trade tariffs during a visit to India, advocating for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to ensure economic stability and resilience. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgian-pm-bart-de-wever-criticizes-arbitrary-trade-policies-in-india ### 2026-09-03: India and Belgium agree to double trade and expand defence ties Belgian PM Bart De Wever is on a landmark three-day visit to India, aiming to double bilateral trade within five years and deepen strategic cooperation in defence, semiconductors, and clean energy. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-pm-bart-de-wever-arrives-in-india-for-official-visit ### 2026-08-31: Belgium Prime Minister Bart De Wever to visit India for bilateral talks Belgium Prime Minister Bart De Wever will visit India from September 2-4 for bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi and to engage with business sectors in New Delhi and Mumbai. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgium-prime-minister-bart-de-wever-to-visit-india-for-bilateral-talks ### 2026-08-29: Bart De Wever to visit India for bilateral talks with Narendra Modi Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever will visit India on September 3-4 to meet Narendra Modi, focusing on trade, diamond industry cooperation, and supply chain diversification. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bart-de-wever-to-visit-india-for-bilateral-talks-with-narendra-modi --- Cite as: Belgium-India bilateral diplomatic visit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belgium-india-bilateral-diplomatic-visit