In a significant diplomatic engagement held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart, Bart De Wever, have paved the way for a transformative bilateral partnership. This visit, marking the first time a Belgian Prime Minister has traveled to India in nearly two decades, concluded with a robust commitment to double bilateral trade within the next five years. During the high-level talks, PM Modi highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy, noting the nation’s impressive 7.8% growth rate in the last quarter as a beacon of stability amidst a global landscape currently plagued by food, fuel, and supply chain disruptions. Both leaders emphasized that by leveraging India’s massive scale alongside Belgium’s technological expertise, the two nations can contribute significantly to global prosperity and economic stability.
The strategic outcome of the summit includes 10 major developments, ranging from the formal appointment of a defence attaché at the Indian embassy in Brussels to the signing of five pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Central to these agreements is the intensification of cooperation in indigenous defence manufacturing, specifically focusing on co-design and co-production initiatives. Furthermore, the leaders recognized the synergy between their nations in the semiconductor sector, aiming to foster resilient, advanced technology ecosystems. Discussions also touched upon the critical need for clean energy and the processing and recycling of critical minerals, with a new MoU on renewable energy expected to accelerate sustainability goals. On the economic front, a new mechanism has been established to fast-track investment, building on Belgium’s existing position as the 18th-largest source of foreign direct investment into the country since 2000.
Beyond economics and defence, the discussions in New Delhi spanned several sensitive geopolitical and legal issues. Addressing the presence of fugitive Mehul Choksi in Belgium, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that law enforcement cooperation remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with a firm commitment to ensuring that those evading the law are brought to justice. The leaders also addressed global challenges, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, advocating for dialogue, diplomacy, and the preservation of the rule of law. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of secure maritime routes for global shipping. Security cooperation was further strengthened as Belgium expressed solidarity with the nation against terrorism, explicitly condemning attacks on civilians and pledging a comprehensive approach to holding perpetrators accountable.
Looking toward the future, the two leaders identified the need for closer human-to-human connectivity, agreeing to finalize a migration and mobility agreement to facilitate the movement of talent between the two nations. This, combined with the momentum from the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and India, is expected to create a robust framework for long-term growth. By aligning their agendas on intelligence sharing, combatting crime, and fostering technological innovation, the partnership between the two nations is set to evolve beyond traditional sectors into a comprehensive strategic alliance. The visit has not only revitalized historical ties but has also established a forward-looking roadmap for both countries to navigate the complexities of the modern global order while fostering mutual development.
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