India and Belgium are deepening their bilateral relationship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with greater emphasis on defence cooperation, clean energy, advanced technology, trade, and investment. The partnership reflects growing strategic convergence and aims to strengthen economic and technological collaboration between the two countries.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is visiting India from 2–4 September 2026. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 September. India and Belgium are working to improve their relations. They are focusing on trade, investment, defence, clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, AI, space, education and security. Both countries aim to double bilateral trade in the next five years.

India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue

The first India–Belgium Strategic Dialogue was held in Brussels on 15 July 2026. It was co-chaired by S. Jaishankar and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The dialogue covers:

  • Trade and investment
  • Defence and security
  • Clean energy
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Global issues

It gives both countries a regular platform to discuss important issues.

India-EU Partnership

Belgium is an important partner for India in Europe. Brussels is also home to major EU institutions. India and Belgium support stronger India–EU cooperation in trade, investment and technology. India and the EU concluded negotiations for the India–EU Free Trade Agreement in January 2026. India and Belgium support its early implementation.

Trade and Investment

Trade and investment are an important part of India and Belgium relations. Both the countries are now trying to increase business ties and explore new areas of cooperation.

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Defence
  • Renewable energy
  • Aerospace
  • Clean technology
  • Digital technology
  • Logistics

India and Belgium want to double bilateral trade in five years. The Belgian Economic Mission to India in March 2025, led by Princess Astrid, included 147 companies, 9 academic institutions and 18 public organisations. It resulted in 38 MoUs.

Diamond Trade

Diamond trade is an old and important link between the two countries. Antwerp is a major diamond centre in the world. Surat and Mumbai are important diamond centres in India. The two countries want to continue this partnership while also developing new areas of cooperation.

Investment Fast-Track Mechanism

India and Belgium have set up the Investment Fast-Track Mechanism. It will make investment easier for companies from both countries.

It will help to:

  • Solve investment-related problems
  • Reduce delays
  • Improve coordination
  • Support new investments

India’s NIIF and Belgium’s SFPIM are also working to increase investment cooperation.

Deference Cooperation

Defence cooperation between India and Belgium is growing. Both countries are now looking at defence as an important part of their strategic partnership.

  • Defence training
  • Military exchanges
  • Maritime security
  • Defence technology
  • Defence research
  • Defence manufacturing

They also want to increase co-development and co-production of defence equipment. This cooperation is important for India’s Indo-Pacific engagement.

Counter-Terrorism and Law Enforcement

India and Belgium are strongly against terrorism. Belgium condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025 and supported India’s fight against terrorism. Both countries want to work together against:

  • Terrorist financing
  • Cross-border terrorism
  • Organised crime
  • Cybercrime
  • Terrorist networks

India’s CBI and Belgium’s Federal Police also cooperate in law enforcement and information sharing.

Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service Cooperation

The Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and Belgium’s Foreign Affairs department are working together on diplomatic training. Officials from both countries can share their knowledge and experience through this cooperation.

Green Energy and Green Hydrogen

Clean energy is an important area of cooperation. India and Belgium are working together on:

  • Solar energy
  • Offshore wind energy
  • Energy storage
  • Bio-energy
  • Green hydrogen
  • Small hydropower

Green hydrogen can help reduce carbon emissions. It can also support India’s clean energy goals.

Semiconductors and AI

Semiconductors and AI are new areas of cooperation. Belgium has strong semiconductor research through imec. India is also building its semiconductor industry. The two countries are promoting cooperation between imec, C-DAC, ChipIN Centre, Indian companies and universities. They are also working together in AI, digital technology, start-ups and innovation.

Science, Space and Astronomy

India and Belgium have a long history of scientific cooperation.

The two countries work together in:

  • Space technology
  • Astronomy
  • Astrophysics
  • Nuclear research
  • Scientific research

The Devasthal Optical Telescope and Devasthal International Liquid Mirror Telescope are important examples. The Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and Astrophysics (BINA) also supports joint research.

Education and Mobility

Around 1,100 Indian students are studying in Belgium. Both countries want to increase the movement of:

  • Students
  • Researchers
  • Skilled workers
  • Business professionals

India has also encouraged Belgian universities to explore opening campuses in India.

Multilateral Cooperation and Global Issues

India and Belgium support a strong United Nations system. Belgium supports India’s demand for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. Both countries also work together on:

  • Peace and security
  • Climate change
  • Sustainable development
  • Maritime security
  • Terrorism
  • Supply-chain security

They have also discussed the Ukraine conflict and the situation in West Asia.

Historical Dimension

Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in September 1947. The relationship is based on common values such as democracy, rule of law and pluralism. India and Belgium also share a link through World War I. More than 9,000 Indian soldiers died in Flanders Fields during the war.

Conclusion

India–Belgium relations are becoming broader and stronger. Earlier, trade and diamonds were the main areas of cooperation. Today, the partnership also covers defence, investment, clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, AI, space, education and security. The Strategic Dialogue and Investment Fast-Track Mechanism are important steps in this direction. Belgium is an important partner for India in Europe and the European Union.