The two sides signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation aimed at facilitating access to advanced technologies, expertise and European defence supply chains. The framework will also promote indigenous defence manufacturing, technology development, co-design, co-development and co-production.
A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Belgian Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSI) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) will create opportunities for Indian defence companies to access Belgian markets, technology and expertise. The agreement is expected to strengthen domestic industrial capacity, generate skilled employment and support the Atmanirbhar BharatandMake in Indiainitiatives.
Three other MoUs were signed in renewable energy, law enforcement and diplomatic training. The renewable energy agreement seeks to accelerate cooperation on clean energy and support India's net-zero goals. An MoU between the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Belgian Federal Police will strengthen cooperation against transnational organised crime and cybercrime through intelligence sharing and capacity building.
The diplomatic training pact between theSushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Belgium's FPS Foreign Affairswill promote joint training programmes, curriculum development and diplomatic exchanges.
The two countries also set a target to double bilateral trade over the next five years, with the aim of boosting exports, creating employment opportunities and supporting the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
To further strengthen defence relations, India announced the appointment of a resident Defence Attaché at its embassy in Brussels. The two sides also agreed to establish an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, institutionalise the India-Belgium Business Forumand launch a formal Consular Dialogue to facilitate mobility for students, professionals and travellers.
Speaking after the talks, Prime Minister De Wever described India as the world's largest democracy, a fast-growing major economy and an important geopolitical power. He said Belgium viewed India as an important ally and noted the significant transformation of the country over the past two decades.
Prime Minister Modi said India's and Belgium's shared democratic values, strong market economies and people-to-people ties made them “natural partners”. He said defence and security cooperation would remain a key pillar of bilateral relations, with greater military exchanges, training, intelligence sharing and opportunities for defence co-development and co-production.
The agreements mark a significant expansion of India-Belgium ties beyond traditional areas into defence innovation, clean energy, investment and strategic security cooperation.
