India, Belgium Pledge To Deepen Strategic Ties

The Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, made a visit to India on September 2 for the first official visit that began in the month of February 2025. The visit began with three days of discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Along with the Prime Minister was the Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken and various other government and commercial delegates. It began with paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and later discussions between him and Modi. These talks were initially held in one place, and then together in a joint discussion. 

Renewed Push On Strategic Partnership

Both were aware of the sacrifices of more than 9,000 Indian soldiers, who had participated in the First World War in the Flanders Fields. Belgium was also recognized by both parties for having been one of those European nations which developed relations with India back in 1947. While looking towards the milestone of their relations in 2027, the leaders appreciated the India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue which had taken place in Brussels in July 2018. Both expressed the need to reform the UN Security Council in accordance with contemporary times. Belgium renewed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed Security Council.

Trade, Defence And Green Energy In Focus

On the other side, both the nations have pledged to increase the bilateral trade twofold in five years. This has been achieved in continuation of the successful completion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The two nations are also improving their collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, defense manufacturing, and critical minerals. In order to encourage businesses to invest in each other's countries, the two nations have established the India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism. The bilateral ties in the defense sector have improved further after signing the Letter of Intent between the defense departments of both nations. The Belgian government has also issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack at Pahalgam that occurred last year, which indicates Belgium’s unwavering support for India in its anti-terror campaign. Agreements have been signed by the two nations. This includes agreements regarding energy and green hydrogen that are vital for the clean energy transition. They have also agreed to step up their law enforcement cooperation, in which the CBI cooperates with the Belgian Federal Police. They are also planning to enhance people-to-people engagement, which includes facilitation of visa applications and institutional exchanges between the two nations. On conclusion of his visit, Geert De Wever, the Chief of the Government of Belgium, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Belgium at his convenience.