Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, 3 September jointly reaffirmed their nations' commitment to the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy, calling for early resolution of ongoing conflicts including in Ukraine and West Asia. The two leaders addressed a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi following bilateral talks that produced a wide range of agreements spanning defence, clean energy, semiconductors, and trade.

Key Developments from the Summit

Modi described people-to-people ties as the 'greatest strength' of the India-Belgium relationship, noting that both nations are deepening connections between their startup ecosystems and have reached an agreement to build capacity in the maritime sector. The two sides are also set to conclude a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in the near term.

On the global stage, Modi stated: 'Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts for an early resolution of conflicts and peace. Eradicating terrorism in all its forms remains our shared commitment.'

Defence and Security Cooperation

Modi termed defence and security cooperation a 'key pillar' of bilateral ties. Both nations have agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation, while government-to-government and industry-level defence agreements are expected to unlock new avenues for co-development and co-production. Intelligence sharing and cooperation against cross-border crime are also set to be strengthened.

Among the concrete defence initiatives cited was collaboration on the Zorawar tank — a light battle tank under development — marking a notable area of India-Belgium defence-industrial engagement.

Clean Energy, Critical Minerals and Semiconductors

Both leaders stressed that a clean energy future and reliable supply chains are shared priorities. An MoU on renewable energy was signed during the visit to give fresh momentum to sustainability cooperation. The two nations have also decided to enhance collaboration in the processing and recycling of critical minerals.

On semiconductors, Modi highlighted a complementarity between Belgium's IMEC Institute — one of the world's foremost chip research bodies — and India's semiconductor ecosystem, announcing plans to integrate the two. Additionally, both countries are developing what is described as one of the world's largest green ammonia projects in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

Trade and Investment Push

Modi pointed to the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a catalyst for deeper economic engagement. To translate opportunity into outcomes, both sides have established an 'Investment Fast-Track Mechanism' for Belgian companies operating in India. The India-Belgium Business Forum will be institutionalised as a regular mechanism, and financial, fintech, and regulatory institutions of both countries will enhance synergies.

The stated goal is to double bilateral trade over the next five years.

Historical Ties and the Road Ahead

Modi invoked the shared historical memory of Indian soldiers who fought and sacrificed in Belgium during the First World War, calling it a vital part of the two nations' collective memory. He noted that democratic values, a market economy, and strong people-to-people bonds make India and Belgium 'natural partners.'

With multiple agreements now signed and mechanisms established, the partnership enters what both leaders described as a strategically expanded phase — one that moves well beyond traditional trade into defence, technology, and the green economy.