Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi, with the two leaders set to review the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
The talks are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, science and technology and clean technologies. Several agreements are also expected to be signed following the discussions, providing fresh momentum to bilateral ties.
Earlier in the day, De Wever visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The Belgian Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday night for a three-day visit to India. He is accompanied by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken.
The visit marks De Wever's first trip to India since he assumed office in February last year. During his stay, he is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a Confederation of Indian Industry business event, where discussions are expected to take place in the broader context of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
India and Belgium share a relationship that dates back more than three centuries. Belgium was among the early European nations to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in September 1947.
In recent years, economic engagement has remained at the heart of the partnership. Bilateral trade crossed $13 billion in 2025-26, with the diamond industry continuing to play a major role. Antwerp's position as one of the world's leading diamond trading centres has made the precious-stones sector an important link between the two economies.
Belgium has also emerged as a significant investor in India. Foreign direct investment from Belgium stood at around $4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025, underlining the growing presence of Belgian businesses in the Indian market.
The two countries are also seeking to broaden their partnership beyond traditional areas of commerce. Cooperation in science, technology and innovation has gained importance, particularly in fields such as renewable energy, clean technologies and sustainability.
Defence and security cooperation is emerging as a newer dimension of India-Belgium relations. The participation of Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in the delegation accompanying De Wever highlights the growing importance being attached to this area.
The discussions in New Delhi are expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to explore greater cooperation in defence and security while strengthening strategic coordination amid a rapidly changing global geopolitical environment.
The Belgian Prime Minister's visit comes at a time when India and the European Union are working to deepen their economic and strategic partnership. Against this backdrop, his engagements with the Indian leadership and business community could help identify new opportunities for investment, technology partnerships and trade.
Overall, the visit is expected to give a fresh push to India-Belgium relations, expanding a historically strong partnership into newer areas of strategic, economic, technological and environmental cooperation.
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