Context:
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in September 2026. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, intelligence-sharing, trade, investment, semiconductors and renewable energy. The visit is significant as it was the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades.
Background:
-
-
- India and Belgium share long-standing diplomatic and economic relations, with diplomatic ties established soon after India’s independence in 1947–48. Traditionally, bilateral relations were anchored in diamond trade, with Antwerp being a major global diamond hub and India a leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing.
- The economic relationship has expanded significantly. Bilateral trade reached about US$13.01 billion in 2025–26, while Belgian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India were approximately US$4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025. More than 200 Belgian companies have a presence in India, while Indian companies, particularly in the IT sector, operate in Belgium and use it as a gateway to European markets.
- India and Belgium share long-standing diplomatic and economic relations, with diplomatic ties established soon after India’s independence in 1947–48. Traditionally, bilateral relations were anchored in diamond trade, with Antwerp being a major global diamond hub and India a leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing.
-
Key Outcomes of the meeting:
-
-
- Defence and Security Cooperation: Defence and security have emerged as important pillars of bilateral relations. Both countries agreed to enhance military exchanges, training and intelligence-sharing. They also seek greater defence co-development and co-production, particularly in drones, anti-mine systems, rockets, tanks and munitions. Such cooperation can support India's objectives of defence indigenisation and Make in India.
- Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade reached around $13.01 billion in 2025–26, with both sides targeting a doubling of trade within five years. India has established an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate Belgian companies. The diamond trade remains important, with Antwerp serving as a major global diamond hub. However, diversification into technology, manufacturing and services is necessary.
- Semiconductor and Technology Partnership: Semiconductor cooperation is an emerging strategic area. Belgium's globally renowned imec semiconductor research ecosystem can support India's ambitions in advanced chip technology, nanoelectronics and research. This partnership is significant for building resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains, which are increasingly linked with national and economic security.
- Renewable Energy: India and Belgium also agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and green technologies. Areas such as green hydrogen and clean-energy technologies can contribute to India's energy transition while creating new avenues for investment and innovation.
- Defence and Security Cooperation: Defence and security have emerged as important pillars of bilateral relations. Both countries agreed to enhance military exchanges, training and intelligence-sharing. They also seek greater defence co-development and co-production, particularly in drones, anti-mine systems, rockets, tanks and munitions. Such cooperation can support India's objectives of defence indigenisation and Make in India.
-
Geopolitical Significance:
Belgium is strategically important for India because Brussels hosts major European Union institutions. Stronger India–Belgium ties can therefore complement India's wider engagement with the EU. Both countries also support dialogue, diplomacy, rule of law and peaceful resolution of conflicts, including in Ukraine and West Asia.
Challenges:
Major challenges include excessive dependence on traditional diamond trade, regulatory barriers, technology-transfer issues and geopolitical disruptions to global supply chains. Defence and technology agreements must also move from announcements to effective implementation.
Conclusion:
India–Belgium relations are evolving from traditional diamond-centred commerce to a multidimensional strategic partnership. Cooperation in defence, semiconductors, clean energy and investment can strengthen India's technological capabilities, economic resilience and engagement with Europe. The partnership reflects India's approach of strategic openness with diversified and trusted partners.
