Belgian PM De Wever hails Modi's 25-year leadership, vows deeper India-Belgium ties
Synopsis
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever marked PM Modi's 25 years of uninterrupted government leadership with a public congratulatory post on X, fresh from a landmark India visit that yielded MoUs on defence, semiconductors, and renewable energy — and a pledge to double bilateral trade within five years.
Key Takeaways
Belgian PM Bart De Wever congratulated PM Narendra Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership on 7 October 2025 .
Modi first took office as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 , replacing Keshubhai Patel amid post-earthquake turmoil.
De Wever's recent India visit — the first by a Belgian PM in nearly two decades — resulted in MoUs on defence , renewable energy , crime-fighting , and diplomatic training .
India and Belgium agreed to double bilateral trade within five years and set up a business forum , an investment forum , and a consular dialogue .
Talks covered emerging sectors including semiconductors , fintech , and critical minerals .
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Wednesday, 7 October 2025, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of uninterrupted leadership in government, calling his recent official visit to India 'productive' and expressing readiness to further strengthen the bilateral partnership between India and Belgium.
The milestone marks Modi's journey from taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001 to serving three successive terms as Prime Minister of India — a span of continuous executive office unmatched in contemporary Indian politics.
De Wever's Congratulatory Message
In a post on X, De Wever wrote: 'I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership in government, from Gujarat to New Delhi. Following my productive visit to India last month, I look forward to further deepening the strong partnership between our two countries.'
The statement is notable for its diplomatic warmth, coming just weeks after De Wever's landmark trip to New Delhi — his first since assuming office in February 2024 and the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in nearly two decades.
Modi's 25-Year Leadership Arc
In October 2001, Narendra Modi was appointed Gujarat Chief Minister to replace Keshubhai Patel at a particularly turbulent moment for the state — one still reeling from the catastrophic Bhuj earthquake and facing significant administrative and political challenges. He went on to serve as Chief Minister until 2014, before leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a historic general election victory and becoming Prime Minister. He has since won two further mandates, in 2019 and 2024.
Over this period, analysts note, India's international profile expanded considerably, with the government pursuing deepened ties with major powers and assuming a prominent role in representing the Global South on multilateral platforms.
What Was Agreed During De Wever's India Visit
During his visit to India last month, De Wever held bilateral talks with Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering defence, renewable energy, combating crime, and diplomatic training.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions focused on 'defence, trade, investment, innovation, semiconductors, fintech, critical minerals, people-to-people ties, and academic and research cooperation.' The two sides also agreed to double bilateral trade within five years and to establish a business forum, an investment forum, and a consular dialogue.
Strategic Significance of India-Belgium Ties
Belgium, home to the European Union's headquarters and a major hub for trade and diplomacy, represents a strategically important partner for India within the broader India-EU engagement framework. The reaffirmation of ties — covering emerging sectors like semiconductors and fintech — underscores India's push to diversify its technology and trade partnerships beyond traditional allies.
With fresh MoUs in place and a roadmap for doubling bilateral trade, the India-Belgium partnership appears set for a more structured phase of engagement in the years ahead.
Point of View
A gateway into the EU's political and economic architecture, sees value in anchoring its India relationship at the highest level. The breadth of the MoUs signed during his New Delhi visit, spanning defence to semiconductors, suggests Brussels is quietly recalibrating its Indo-Pacific posture. What is worth watching is whether the pledge to double bilateral trade comes with a credible mechanism, or remains an aspirational headline. India-EU trade deals have historically moved slowly; a bilateral track with Belgium could serve as a faster-moving proving ground.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Belgian PM De Wever congratulating PM Modi now?
7 October 2025 marks exactly 25 years since Narendra Modi was sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, making it the anniversary of his uninterrupted tenure in government. De Wever used the occasion to congratulate Modi and reaffirm India-Belgium partnership following his recent visit to New Delhi.
When did PM Modi begin his 25 years of leadership?
PM Modi took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, stepping in to replace Keshubhai Patel as the state recovered from the devastating Bhuj earthquake. He served as Chief Minister until 2014 and has since led India as Prime Minister through three successive terms.
What was agreed during Belgian PM De Wever's visit to India?
During his New Delhi visit, De Wever and PM Modi signed MoUs covering defence, renewable energy, combating crime, and diplomatic training. The two countries also agreed to double bilateral trade within five years and to establish a business forum, an investment forum, and a consular dialogue.
Why is De Wever's India visit historically significant?
It was the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in nearly two decades, and De Wever's first trip to the country since taking office in February 2024. The visit marked a renewed push to modernise and expand India-Belgium ties across strategic sectors.
Which sectors are the focus of the new India-Belgium partnership?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the partnership is focused on defence, trade, investment, innovation, semiconductors, fintech, critical minerals, people-to-people ties, and academic and research cooperation — reflecting India's push to diversify technology and trade partnerships within the EU.
