India-Belgium summit: Modi, De Wever call for dialogue on West Asia, Ukraine
Synopsis
PM Modi and Belgian PM De Wever met in New Delhi on 3 September and jointly called for dialogue to resolve the West Asia crisis and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine — while also expanding bilateral ties on visas, mobility, healthcare, and direct air connectivity. De Wever's invitation to Modi for a Belgium visit signals the relationship is moving into a higher gear.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi and Belgian PM Bart De Wever held talks in New Delhi on 3 September , issuing a Joint Statement.
Both leaders called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address the West Asia crisis peacefully.
On Ukraine , both sides reaffirmed support for a 'comprehensive, just and lasting peace' in line with the UN Charter .
Visa processing capacity at diplomatic missions in both countries will significantly increase to ease people-to-people movement.
Both leaders welcomed the EU MoU on Mobility and the launch of a pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India.
Belgian PM De Wever invited PM Modi to visit Belgium at a mutually convenient time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, 3 September held talks in New Delhi, calling for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to resolve the ongoing crisis in West Asia and reaffirming support for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. The discussions, which culminated in a Joint Statement, covered a broad range of bilateral and global issues.
Shared Stand on West Asia and Ukraine
The Joint Statement issued after the summit underscored that both leaders 'discussed recent developments of concern in the region and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address challenges in a peaceful manner.' On Ukraine, both sides 'reaffirmed their support for efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.'
The two leaders also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of maritime routes and maintaining safe and unimpeded maritime shipping — a pointed reference to ongoing disruptions in regional sea lanes linked to the West Asia conflict.
Deepening the India-Belgium Partnership
Beyond geopolitics, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening and diversifying the India-Belgium bilateral partnership, guided by mutual trust and a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and development. The Joint Statement noted that the expanding partnership 'shall continue to be guided by a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, gender equality, and a rules-based international order.'
Both leaders expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver tangible benefits for both peoples and contribute to strengthening India-Europe collaboration on shared global challenges.
Mobility, Visas, and People-to-People Ties
A significant area of agreement was the enhancement of people-to-people connectivity. Both sides recognised the need for smooth and quick visa processing, with the Joint Statement noting that 'visa processing capacity by diplomatic missions in Belgium and India will significantly increase.' Both leaders also welcomed the ongoing reinforcement of Belgian visa delivery services in India.
The leaders welcomed the signing of the European Union (EU) MoU on Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility and the launch of a pilot EU Legal Gateway Office in India. These initiatives, the statement noted, would 'promote legal pathways for movement of professionals, skilled workforce and students.' Both sides also encouraged airline operators to explore direct air connectivity between Belgium and India.
Healthcare, Education, and Migration
The two leaders welcomed ongoing cooperation in the healthcare sector, including initiatives facilitating the mobility of qualified nurses from India to Belgium, as well as broader civil society cooperation in healthcare and education. They also encouraged continued discussions towards signing an MoU on Mobility and Migration.
What Comes Next
In a notable diplomatic signal, Prime Minister De Wever invited PM Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Belgium at a mutually convenient time — a move that reflects the momentum building in India-EU engagement. With trade, investment, and people-to-people ties on an upward trajectory, the India-Belgium summit sets the stage for a more structured partnership framework in the months ahead.
Point of View
But it also reflects the growing weight India assigns to its Europe partnerships as geopolitical fault lines deepen. What is notable here is the maritime dimension: stressing 'safe and unimpeded maritime shipping' is a coded but clear reference to Red Sea disruptions, which directly affect Indian trade. The visa and mobility commitments, meanwhile, are the real bilateral substance — nursing mobility to Belgium and the EU Legal Gateway Office signal that India-Europe labour integration is quietly advancing even as headline diplomacy focuses on conflict zones. De Wever's invitation to Modi for a Brussels visit, if it materialises, could accelerate the stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement conversation.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did India and Belgium agree on regarding West Asia?
India and Belgium agreed on the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address the ongoing crisis in West Asia peacefully. Their Joint Statement also stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of maritime routes in the region.
What was the India-Belgium position on the Ukraine war?
Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
What is the EU Legal Gateway Office launched in India?
The EU Legal Gateway Office is a pilot initiative welcomed by both leaders that aims to promote legal pathways for the movement of professionals, skilled workers, and students between India and the European Union. It was launched alongside an EU MoU on a Comprehensive Framework of Cooperation on Mobility.
How will visa processing between India and Belgium change?
Both leaders recognised the need for smooth and quick visa processing, with the Joint Statement noting that visa processing capacity at diplomatic missions in both Belgium and India will significantly increase. Belgium is also reinforcing its visa delivery services in India.
Did PM Modi receive an invitation to visit Belgium?
Yes. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever invited PM Narendra Modi to undertake a bilateral visit to Belgium at a mutually convenient time, signalling the growing momentum in India-Belgium and broader India-EU engagement.
