Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India, Belgium Broaden Ties, Target Doubled Trade in Five Years
India and Belgium want to trade twice as much within five years.
Their leaders discussed helping companies invest and work together more easily.
They also want closer cooperation on defence, including military training and making some equipment together.
The countries plan to work together on clean energy and recycling important minerals.
Belgium has semiconductor research expertise, while India has a large technology and manufacturing base.
They want to connect Belgium’s IMEC with India’s semiconductor industry.
India and Belgium will also strengthen links between startups, universities and researchers.
A planned mobility agreement would make it easier for skilled people, students and researchers to move between the countries.
The leaders also supported dialogue to end conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
Bart De Wever’s visit was described as the first visit by a Belgian prime minister to India in two decades.
India and Belgium agreed to pursue doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
The countries will expand cooperation in defence, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, maritime affairs and technology.
India launched an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies and will make the bilateral Business Forum regular.
The two sides will strengthen military exchanges, defence co-development, intelligence sharing and cooperation against organised and cybercrime.
They also plan renewable-energy cooperation, semiconductor research links, startup and university partnerships, and a migration and mobility agreement.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, accompanied by Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken and a high-level delegation.
- What
- India and Belgium agreed to broaden their economic and strategic partnership and pursue doubling bilateral trade within five years.
- When
- The announcement was made on Thursday during De Wever’s three-day official visit to India.
- Where
- The leaders held talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi and issued a joint press statement.
- Why
- They aim to expand investment, diversify trade, strengthen strategic cooperation and build more resilient supply chains amid global uncertainty.
- Trade target
- India and Belgium aim to double bilateral trade over the next five years.
- Current trade
- Articles cite differing 2025-26 figures: $10.92 billion, about $13 billion and $13.01 billion.
- Investment mechanism
- India launched an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate Belgian investment and address investment bottlenecks.
- Defence cooperation
- The countries will expand military exchanges, training, defence co-development and co-production; reports also cited 10 defence-industry agreements.
- Clean energy
- A renewable-energy memorandum of understanding was signed, alongside plans for greater cooperation on critical-mineral processing and recycling.
- Semiconductors
- India and Belgium will work toward linking IMEC with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
- Investment stock
- Belgian foreign direct investment inflows into India were reported at approximately $4.2 billion from April 2000 through December 2025.
- Talent mobility
- The two countries plan to conclude a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
Sources
India, Belgium Deepen Strategic Partnership with Defence, Clean Energy and Semiconductor Cooperation; PM Modi Sets Five-Year Trade Doubling Target
India, Belgium agree to double trade; Modi says nation’s growth inspires global confidence
India, Belgium aim to double bilateral trade in five years
