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India and Belgium Deepen Defence and Semiconductor Cooperation
India and Belgium want to work more closely together.
Their leaders discussed defence, computer-chip technology and sharing intelligence.
They also talked about renewable energy and important minerals.
India and Belgium are working on defence equipment, including the Zorawar tank.
Belgium’s IMEC Institute may work with India’s semiconductor industry.
The two countries said they support peace, diplomacy and efforts to end conflicts.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is visiting New Delhi and is also scheduled to visit Mumbai.
The visit aims to turn their economic relationship into a broader strategic partnership.
India and Belgium agreed to expand cooperation in defence, semiconductors and intelligence sharing.
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Bart De Wever held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The countries signed or reviewed agreements covering defence industry, renewable energy, critical minerals and sustainability.
India plans to connect Belgium’s IMEC Institute with its semiconductor ecosystem and develop modern defence equipment such as the Zorawar tank.
De Wever’s visit also includes Mumbai engagements focused on the diamond trade and wider economic cooperation.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, accompanied by Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken and defence-industry representatives.
- What
- India and Belgium agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, semiconductors, intelligence sharing, renewable energy and critical minerals.
- Where
- The leaders met at Hyderabad House in New Delhi; De Wever is also scheduled to visit Mumbai on September 4.
- When
- The agreement was announced on Thursday during De Wever’s three-day official visit; he became Belgian prime minister in February 2025.
- Why
- Both countries seek stronger strategic ties, more reliable supply chains, clean-energy cooperation and expanded economic and defence collaboration.
Key facts
- Main participants
- Narendra Modi and Bart De Wever
- Defence cooperation
- The countries reviewed and signed pacts on defence industrial cooperation, including Belgian technology for India.
- Semiconductors
- Belgium’s IMEC Institute is expected to be connected with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
- Renewable energy
- The countries signed a memorandum of understanding intended to advance sustainability cooperation.
- Critical minerals
- India and Belgium agreed to increase cooperation in processing and recycling.
- Economic background
- A Belgian Economic Mission led by Princess Astrid signed around 40 memorandums of understanding in March 2025.
- Planned Mumbai visit
- De Wever is scheduled to visit the Bharat Diamond Bourse, highlighting the importance of the diamond trade.
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“India and Belgium both believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts for the early end of conflicts and for peace. And to eradicate every form of terrorism from its roots is our shared commitment.”
indianexpress.com
“In semiconductors, Belgium’s expertise and India’s scale are complementary to each other. In this direction, we will work together to connect Belgium’s IMEC Institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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