New Delhi, September 3: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever met on Thursday at Hyderabad House in New Delhi to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations between their countries. During their discussions, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership between India and Belgium, while also addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
A post by the Ministry of External Affairs on the social media platform X stated, “Both leaders reviewed the entire dimension of bilateral relations, focusing on defense, trade, investment, innovation, semiconductors, fintech, critical minerals, people-to-people ties, and academic and research collaboration. They exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and confirmed their commitment to strengthening the close and multidimensional partnership between India and Belgium.”
Prime Ministers Modi and De Wever witnessed the exchange of memorandums of understanding in areas such as defense, renewable energy, combating crime, and establishing diplomatic training. The Ministry reported that both sides agreed to double bilateral trade over the next five years and to establish a business forum, an investment forum, and a consular dialogue.
The meeting included key officials such as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary P.K. Mishra, and Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George.
Following their discussions in New Delhi, Prime Minister De Wever will address a business event organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
After New Delhi, Bart De Wever will travel to Mumbai on Friday, where he will engage with various stakeholders, including those in the diamond, ports, and logistics sectors.
This visit marks Prime Minister De Wever’s first official trip to India since taking office in February last year. It is also the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades, signaling a significant new chapter in India-Belgium relations.
Leave a Comment