PM Modi, Belgium PM Push New Frontiers in Defence, Energy and Technology

India and Belgium have agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors and trade, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Belgian counterpart during his first visit to India.

Welcoming the Belgian Prime Minister, Modi highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, including their shared history, people-to-people connections and the longstanding diamond trade. He noted that bilateral relations have expanded beyond traditional areas into strategic sectors such as defence and clean energy.

Defence cooperation emerged as a key priority, with both sides agreeing to enhance military exchanges and training. Government and defence-industry agreements are expected to create opportunities for defence co-development and co-production, while intelligence sharing and cooperation against crime will also be strengthened.

Modi said India and Belgium are also collaborating on advanced defence equipment, including the Zorawar tank. In clean energy, the two countries are developing a major green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, while a new renewable energy memorandum of understanding is expected to accelerate sustainability cooperation.

Economic ties are also set for expansion. India has established an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies and decided to make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular platform. The two countries aim to double bilateral trade over the next five years, supported by closer coordination among financial, fintech and regulatory institutions.

Cooperation in critical minerals will focus on processing and recycling. Modi also said Belgium’s semiconductor expertise and India’s scale could complement each other, with plans to connect Belgium’s IMEC with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The leaders further discussed start-up cooperation, maritime capacity building, university and research partnerships, and a forthcoming Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

On global issues, India and Belgium reaffirmed support for dialogue, diplomacy and the rule of law, while calling for efforts to end conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and reiterating their shared commitment to counter terrorism.