India and Belgium Broaden Strategic Partnership During PM Bart De Wever's State Visit to New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The three-day official visit, spanning from September 2 to 4, 2026, marks the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades and signifies a major milestone in strengthening diplomatic and economic ties.
The discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of bilateral relations, focusing on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors including defence co-production, semiconductors, critical minerals, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. Both leaders emphasized deepening trade ties and accelerating negotiations for the ongoing India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). On defence collaboration, the two nations explored opportunities for joint development and co-production of advanced military equipment. During their joint press statement, PM Modi and PM De Wever reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful dialogue and diplomacy to resolve ongoing global conflicts, noting the severe economic fallout affecting global supply chains, food, and energy security. Following his engagements in New Delhi, the Belgian Prime Minister traveled to Mumbai to interact with business leaders in the diamond, shipping, and logistics industries.
