India and Belgium Sign Strategic Defence Pacts and Target Doubling Bilateral Trade
During an official state visit to India from September 2 to 4, 2026, Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to review and expand bilateral relations across key sectors. The high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House focused on significantly elevating economic ties, targeting a doubling of two-way trade over the next five years. Grounded in the broader India-European Union Strategic Partnership and the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement, both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in green energy, semiconductor technology, critical minerals, and maritime infrastructure.
A major highlight of the discussions was the deepening of defense-industrial partnerships. Belgian and Indian defense enterprises signed strategic agreements covering advanced counter-drone systems, helicopter rockets, tank turrets, and mine-countermeasure technologies. To formalize structured military engagement, both countries executed a Letter of Intent establishing a dedicated framework for officer exchanges, joint research, and maritime security collaboration. Crucially, Belgian officials assured India that defense equipment and technology transfers would not be extended to Pakistan.
Additionally, both leaders celebrated historic cultural and economic ties, including the longstanding diamond trade, while agreeing to establish the India-Belgium Business Forum as a permanent platform for financial and regulatory coordination. The visit underscores India's strategy to deepen ties with key European nations to build resilient supply chains and enhance national security capabilities.
