India, Belgium agree to deepen defence ties, double trade in five years

India and Belgium on Thursday agreed to significantly expand their bilateral partnership, covering areas from defence and security to trade, investment, and renewable energy. The decisions were announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart, Bart De Wever, who is on his first visit to India since taking office in February 2025 — the first by a Belgian PM in two decades.

A key outcome was the decision to enhance defence cooperation. The two sides agreed to increase military exchanges and training, and signed agreements to promote co-development and co-production of defence equipment. The focus areas include drones, anti-mine systems, rockets, tanks, and munitions. A delegation of around 15 Belgian defence companies accompanied PM De Wever and held interactions with Indian industry players.

On the economic front, India announced an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies. The two countries also agreed to make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular platform and to strengthen coordination between financial, fintech, and regulatory institutions. The goal is to double bilateral trade over the next five years. Bilateral trade stood at $13.01 billion in 2025-26, with diamond trade via Antwerp being a major component. FDI inflows from Belgium to India were approximately $4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025.

PM Modi said the discussions mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. He noted that India's economy grew at 7.8% in the last quarter, calling it a source of confidence for the world amid global uncertainty. PM De Wever stressed Belgium's belief in free and fair trade, adding that the answer to current geopolitical challenges is "strategic openness" rather than protectionism.

On global issues, both leaders discussed the wars in Ukraine and West Asia. They reaffirmed support for peace through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with the UN Charter and international law. They also stressed the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime shipping.

PM De Wever hinted that PM Modi is expected to visit Belgium in December, saying it would be an honour to receive him in Brussels or Antwerp.