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Belgium-India bilateral diplomatic visit

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2026-09-05 02:22 UTC → 2026-09-05 07:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~The discussions also highlighted the importance of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement in providing economic resilience against global supply chain disruptions.~~ 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. ~~During engagements in Mumbai, De Wever also met with stakeholders in the diamond, logistics, and port sectors.~~ 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, such as components for India’s Zorawar and Arjun tanks, 70mm rockets, and electro-optical systems. In Mumbai, during~~ hardware. During the India-Belgium High-Level ~~Dialogue,~~ Dialogue in Mumbai, De Wever criticized the rise of protectionism and arbitrary trade ~~policies~~ 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 ~~rising protectionism.~~ 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.

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