New Delhi: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever undertook an official visit to India from 2–4 September 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marked De Wever’s first trip to India since assuming office in February 2025 and provided fresh momentum to the longstanding India-Belgium partnership. He was accompanied by Belgium’s Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken, senior officials and business leaders.
Strengthening Strategic and Bilateral Ties
During his visit, Prime Minister De Wever held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The talks covered a broad range of issues, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral relations between the two countries.
India and Belgium agreed to deepen cooperation across trade and investment, defence, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, research, technology and talent mobility. Both sides also agreed to establish an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate Belgian investments in India and set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the relationship between India and Belgium has evolved considerably over the past decade, with traditional areas of cooperation such as diamonds increasingly being complemented by new sectors of strategic and economic importance.
Economic cooperation was another major focus of the visit. India and Belgium see considerable potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment, particularly as the broader India-EU economic relationship continues to develop. The two sides emphasised the importance of open, predictable and rules-based trade. During his Mumbai engagements, Prime Minister De Wever also highlighted the importance of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in strengthening economic resilience and creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides.3
Cooperation in Emerging Technologies
India and Belgium are also looking to build stronger partnerships in semiconductors, critical minerals, research and advanced technologies. These sectors are increasingly important to both countries as global supply chains undergo major transformation.
The focus on critical minerals and semiconductor ecosystems reflects a shared interest in building more resilient and diversified supply chains while promoting innovation, investment and technological cooperation.
Diamonds: A Historic Link Between India and Belgium
The diamond industry remains one of the most visible links between the two countries. India’s diamond-cutting and polishing industry and Belgium’s historic diamond centre in Antwerp have developed deep commercial connections over several decades.
During his Mumbai visit, Prime Minister De Wever visited the Bharat Diamond Bourse, highlighting the longstanding Mumbai-Antwerp diamond connection. His engagements also underlined the possibility of expanding cooperation beyond traditional diamond trade into technology, investment and other high-value industries. The Belgian Prime Minister also opened an expanded HRD Antwerp laboratory in Mumbai, further reflecting the importance of the diamond sector to the bilateral economic relationship.
Historical and People-to-People Connections
The relationship between India and Belgium has deep historical roots. Prime Minister De Wever began his India visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, underscoring the importance attached to India’s history and values.
The shared historical memory of Indian soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in Belgium during the First World War also remains an important element of the relationship. Prime Minister Modi has described this history as a significant part of the shared bond between the two nations.