IBNS-CMEDIA: India and Belgium have agreed to aim at doubling bilateral trade over the next five years, while Belgium reaffirmed its support for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
The commitments were made during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s ongoing visit to India, his first since taking office in February 2025.
Belgium backs India for permanent UNSC seat
A key outcome of the talks was Belgium’s reaffirmation of support for India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Push to double trade in five years
The two leaders highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two countries and set an ambition to double bilateral trade within five years.
They identified sectors including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, semiconductors, defence, critical minerals, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and logistics as areas with significant potential.
The leaders also welcomed the launch of an India-Belgium Investment Fast-Track Mechanism to facilitate investments and address business-related bottlenecks.
We will also strengthen university and research links, StartUp connections and pathways for talent mobility.
India and Belgium are natural partners, united by democratic values, strong people-to-people ties and a shared commitment to peace and progress. pic.twitter.com/wavSBtfyt8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2026
Defence, counter-terrorism cooperation expanded
Belgium expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism and condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
The two sides agreed to explore the creation of a Belgium-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
They also welcomed a new framework for defence cooperation covering military exchanges, training, research and defence-industrial partnerships.
Visa services to get major boost
With India-Belgium travel and professional exchanges increasing, both sides agreed on the need for faster and smoother visa processing.
Belgium will significantly increase its visa processing capacity in India, while the leaders also encouraged airlines to explore establishing direct air connectivity between India and Belgium.
De Wever also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Belgium at a mutually convenient time.
