India, Belgium deepen ties in defence, semiconductors and clean energy

India and Belgium have agreed to strengthen their partnership in defence, semiconductors, clean energy and intelligence sharing. The decision came during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart, Bart De Wever, in New Delhi on Thursday.

De Wever is on a three-day official visit to India, his first since assuming office in February 2025. This is also the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades, marking a significant phase in bilateral relations.

Following the talks at Hyderabad House, PM Modi highlighted the expanding scope of cooperation between the two nations. He noted that the partnership has moved beyond traditional sectors into strategic areas such as defence and clean energy. He specifically mentioned collaboration on the Zorawar tank and a major green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

On semiconductors, PM Modi said Belgium's expertise and India's scale are complementary. The two sides will work to connect Belgium's IMEC Institute with India's semiconductor ecosystem. An agreement on renewable energy was also signed, with both countries agreeing to boost cooperation in the processing and recycling of critical minerals.

PM Modi also referenced India's economic performance, noting a GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in the last quarter. He stated that India's growth story is becoming a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world, even amid global uncertainties.

Addressing global issues, PM Modi said both nations believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He mentioned shared efforts to support peace in Ukraine and West Asia, as well as a common commitment to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.

The visit builds on recent momentum, including the Belgian Economic Mission led by Princess Astrid in March 2025 and the inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in July 2026. De Wever is accompanied by Belgium's Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken, and a delegation of defence industries. The two sides signed pacts on defence industrial cooperation, which will bring Belgian technology to India.

De Wever is scheduled to visit Mumbai on September 4, where he will tour the Bharat Diamond Bourse in the Bandra Kurla Complex, underscoring the importance of the diamond trade in bilateral relations.