India-Belgium Joint Statement on the visit of the Prime Minister of Belgium to India

Key Highlights:

• Belgian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Bart De Wever visited India from September 2-4, 2026, for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The inaugural India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue was launched in Brussels in July 2026, covering trade, green transition, technology, and defence.
• Belgium reaffirmed its support for India's candidature for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• Negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) successfully concluded in January 2026, with calls for early implementation.
• An India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism was launched to facilitate and expand bilateral investments.
• A Letter of Intent was signed between the Defence Ministries to institutionalize and strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
• A renewed MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation was signed, expanding collaboration in green hydrogen, solar, and offshore wind energy.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit marked the first by Prime Minister De Wever since taking office, emphasizing the deepening multifaceted relationship.
• Both leaders recalled the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in Flanders Fields during WWI and Belgium's early diplomatic ties with India in 1947.
• They called for early conclusion of the EU-India Investment Protection Agreement and the Agreement on Geographical Indications.
• Progress under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council was welcomed, aiming for a more integrated economic and technological partnership.
• The Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030 and the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership were endorsed to deepen strategic cooperation.
• Both countries aim to double bilateral trade in the next 5 years, focusing on sectors like life sciences, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
• Cooperation in maritime and port development, including dredging and offshore wind infrastructure, was highlighted, with Flemish Minister participation in "Sagarmanthan."
• Research and higher education collaboration includes the Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and Astrophysics (BINA) and Belgian contributions to Indian telescopes.
• Engagement between Belgium’s Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM) and India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is ongoing.
• An MoU was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Police of Belgium on combating transnational organized crime and cybercrime.
• Cooperation in green hydrogen, including industrial partnerships and knowledge exchange, is a key focus for decarbonization and energy security.
• Both nations reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
• Collaboration in micro-electronics, AI, and startup ecosystems (MEITY Start Up Hub and Hub Brussels) is being fostered.
• The EU MoU on Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility and a pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India aim to promote legal pathways for professionals and students.
• India invited leading Belgian universities to open campuses under India's New Education Policy.
• Both leaders supported efforts for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine and emphasized dialogue in West Asia.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Multilateralism: The principle of cooperation among multiple countries in pursuit of common goals, often through international organizations.
• United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Reform: Efforts to change the structure and membership of the UNSC to make it more representative and effective.
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): A pact between two or more countries to reduce barriers to imports and exports among them.
• Geographical Indications (GI): A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
• National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF): India's first sovereign wealth fund, established to catalyze infrastructure development.