Beyond Diamonds: India-Belgium Ties Enter a New Era

New Delhi, September 03, 2026 India and Belgium are expanding their longstanding relationship into a wider strategic partnership covering defence, clean energy, critical minerals and semiconductors. Following talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said bilateral relations had made “remarkable progress” over the past decade and were moving into a new phase. The partnership, once largely identified with the diamond trade, is now gaining importance across several key sectors. Defence and security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. India and Belgium will enhance military exchanges and training, while cooperation between governments and defence industries is expected to create fresh opportunities for defence co-development and co-production. Intelligence sharing and coordination between relevant agencies will also be strengthened to combat crime. The partnership is further expanding into advanced defence equipment, including the Zorawar tank, alongside clean energy initiatives such as the major green ammonia project being developed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Clean energy, secure supply chains and critical technologies are also emerging as major areas of cooperation. A renewable energy memorandum of understanding signed during the talks is expected to boost joint efforts in the sector, while both countries will increase cooperation in the processing and recycling of critical minerals. They will also explore stronger semiconductor collaboration by connecting Belgium's IMEC institute with India's growing semiconductor ecosystem, combining Belgium's technological expertise with India's expanding scale. Economic cooperation received equal attention, with both sides working towards the goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. PM Modi highlighted India's continued economic growth and opportunities created by the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded earlier this year. India has introduced an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies, while the India-Belgium Business Forum will become a regular platform. Cooperation among financial, fintech and regulatory institutions will also be strengthened. “These initiatives” will help India and Belgium realise the goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years, PM Modi said. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation between start-ups, universities and research institutions, while expanding maritime capacity-building and facilitating talent mobility through a proposed Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. Discussions also covered global developments, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and the rule of law, as well as peace in Ukraine and West Asia and the fight against terrorism. Recalling the sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War, PM Modi said strong historical and people-to-people ties continue to connect the two nations. The latest engagement reflects a clear transformation of India-Belgium relations into a broader and more strategic partnership.