India-Belgium Joint Statement on the visit of the Prime Minister of Belgium to India

The official visit of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to India from September 2-4, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the 79-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two nations, which began in 1947 when Belgium became one of the first European countries to establish diplomatic ties with independent India. This visit, De Wever's first since assuming office in February 2025, comes at a time when both countries are seeking to recalibrate their partnership within the broader framework of the India-EU Strategic Partnership. The historical context is rich: over 9,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in the Flanders Fields during World War I, a shared memory that continues to underpin the emotional and moral foundations of this bilateral relationship. The visit was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Belgium's Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken, signalling the seriousness with which Brussels views its engagement with New Delhi. The centrepiece of the visit was the institutionalisation of the India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue, inaugurated in Brussels on July 15, 2026, co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister and Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. This dialogue, anchored in the India-EU Strategic Partnership, creates a structured, comprehensive mechanism covering trade, green transition, technology, connectivity, defence, security, and people-to-people ties. It reflects a maturing relationship moving beyond ad hoc engagements to a predictable, multi-layered architecture. The forthcoming Foreign Office Consultations will operationalise the priorities identified, ensuring sustained momentum. On the multilateral front, both leaders reiterated their commitment to reformed multilateralism with the UN Charter at its core. Belgium reaffirmed its support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council — a position consistent with its 2011 endorsement during India's previous non-permanent tenure. The mutual agreement to support each other's candidatures for non-permanent seats (India for 2028-29, Belgium for 2037-38) demonstrates strategic reciprocity and long-term diplomatic planning. This aligns with India's broader foreign policy objective under Article 51 of the Constitution, which directs the State to promote international peace and security and foster respect for international law. Economically, the visit builds on the successful conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations at the India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026 — a historic milestone after years of stalemate. The leaders called for early conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement and the Geographical Indications Agreement, which would further deepen economic integration. The target to double bilateral trade in five years is ambitious but grounded in strong complementarities: Belgium's strengths in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, semiconductors, ports, and green technology align with India's 'Make in India', 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', and green transition goals. The launch of the India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, engagement between Belgium's sovereign wealth fund SFPIM and India's NIIF, and the planned 19th session of the BLEU Joint Economic Commission institutionalise investment facilitation. Defence and security cooperation received a major boost. Belgium's unequivocal condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025) and expression of solidarity with India in fighting cross-border terrorism reflects convergence on security threats. The proposal to establish a Belgium-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, with focus on UNSC 1267 sanctions regime, terrorist financing, and FATF cooperation, operationalises this commitment. The India-EU Security and Defence Partnership, once signed, will extend cooperation to maritime security, defence industry, cyber, space, and counter-terrorism — areas where Belgium's NATO experience and India's strategic autonomy can complement each other. Scientific collaboration, particularly in astronomy and astrophysics through BINA, and Belgium's contributions to Indian facilities like the Devasthal Optical Telescope and the Multi-Application Solar Telescope in Udaipur, highlight the knowledge dimension of the partnership. Maritime cooperation, including JNPA-APEC collaboration and Belgian dredging expertise for port development and offshore wind, connects to India's Sagarmala programme and blue economy vision. Looking ahead, the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 offers a natural milestone to consolidate gains. The success of this partnership will depend on effective implementation of the FTA, operationalisation of the Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, and translating strategic dialogue outcomes into tangible projects. For India, Belgium serves as a key gateway to the EU and a reliable partner in technology, innovation, and multilateral diplomacy — making this relationship a critical component of India's 'Extended Neighbourhood' and 'Act East' (in the European context) outreach.