PM Modi Calls Defence, Security Key Pillars Of India-Belgium Ties

Belgium , 3Sep : On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Belgium share a commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the rule of law, while calling for peace in Ukraine and West Asia.

Speaking alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever after their talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi described people-to-people links as the strongest foundation of bilateral ties. He said the two countries are connecting their startup ecosystems and have agreed to strengthen capacity-building in the maritime sector.

PM Modi said India and Belgium will soon finalise a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. He highlighted growing cooperation in defence and clean energy, including work on the Zorawar tank and a major green ammonia project at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.

The Prime Minister said defence and security remain a key part of the partnership.

Both sides have agreed to expand military exchanges and training, while new government and industry agreements could support defence co-development and co-production.

India and Belgium will step up intelligence sharing and cooperation between agencies dealing with crime.

On clean energy, PM Modi said a new renewable energy MoU would strengthen sustainability efforts.

The two countries will cooperate on processing and recycling critical minerals and seek to connect Belgium’s IMEC Institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

The Prime Minister recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War, saying their sacrifice remains part of the shared history between the two countries. He said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement has created fresh opportunities for bilateral economic ties.

India has established an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies, while both sides will make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular platform.

The two countries plan to increase cooperation between financial, fintech and regulatory institutions, with the broader goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.