India, Belgium Set Target to Double Bilateral Trade Within Five Years

New Delhi: India and Belgium have agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi on Thursday.
The two countries also exchanged several key agreements, including a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation and Memorandums of Understanding covering renewable energy, cybercrime and diplomatic training.
During their meeting, PM Modi and De Wever reviewed the full range of bilateral relations and discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Addressing the media after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the world is witnessing major geopolitical uncertainties, with conflicts continuing in several regions and disruptions affecting food, fuel and global supply chains. Despite these challenges, he said India’s economy continues to show strong momentum, recording 7.8% growth in the latest quarter.
Modi highlighted the longstanding historical ties between the two nations, particularly the contribution and sacrifices of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War. He said shared democratic values, economic interests and strong people-to-people connections make India and Belgium natural partners.
The Prime Minister noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly over the past decade, moving beyond traditional areas into strategic sectors such as defence, clean energy, critical minerals and semiconductors.

India and Belgium are already collaborating on advanced defence platforms, including the Zorawar tank. The two countries are also developing a major green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals and semiconductor technology. India and Belgium will also work to connect Belgium-based IMEC with India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
Earlier in the day, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited Rajghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
De Wever is on a three-day visit to India, accompanied by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken. This is his first visit to India since becoming Belgium’s Prime Minister in February 2025.
During his visit, De Wever is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a Confederation of Indian Industry business event focusing on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.