Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Belgium are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation, with defense and security emerging as major pillars of the growing relationship between the two countries.
Speaking alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever after their discussions in New Delhi on Thursday, Modi announced that India and Belgium had agreed to increase military exchanges and expand cooperation in defense training. The two nations also expect agreements involving governments and defense industries to create fresh opportunities for jointly developing and producing defense equipment.
Modi said intelligence cooperation and coordination between agencies to combat crime would also be strengthened. According to the Prime Minister, shared democratic principles, open-market economies and strong connections between people have made India and Belgium natural partners.
The relationship, he noted, has developed significantly during the past decade. Cooperation that was once focused largely on traditional sectors has increasingly moved into strategic fields, including defense, advanced technology and clean energy.
India and Belgium are already working together on modern defense technology, including the Zorawar tank project. The countries are also collaborating on a major green ammonia initiative in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, reflecting their growing focus on sustainable industrial development.
Modi also highlighted the historical connection between the two nations, recalling the contribution and sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers who served in Belgium during the First World War. He described that shared history as an important foundation for the relationship that exists today.
Discussing the global economic environment, Modi said the world continues to face uncertainty caused by conflicts and disruptions affecting food, fuel and supply chains. Despite these challenges, he said India’s economic momentum has remained strong, citing growth of 7.8 percent during the previous quarter.
The Prime Minister said India’s continued economic expansion, combined with the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement signed in January, has created new possibilities for stronger commercial engagement with Belgium.
To convert those opportunities into concrete business results, India has introduced an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies. The two countries will also make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular platform and increase coordination among their financial, fintech and regulatory institutions.
The broader objective is to double bilateral trade within the next five years. Meanwhile, a new renewable energy agreement is expected to accelerate cooperation on sustainability, while the two countries will also work together on critical mineral processing and recycling.
Belgium’s expertise in semiconductor technology and India’s large-scale manufacturing and technology ecosystem could further strengthen the partnership, with plans to connect Belgium’s IMEC Institute more closely with India’s semiconductor sector.
