New Delhi: India and Belgium have launched their first Strategic Dialogue, marking a significant step in expanding cooperation across trade, technology, clean energy, defense, and supply chains as New Delhi strengthens its engagement with Europe.
The inaugural dialogue, held in Brussels, was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.
The meeting comes at a time of shifting global geopolitics, supply chain realignments, and growing economic cooperation between India and the European Union.
Following the talks, Jaishankar said the discussions reflected the growing ambition of India’s partnership with both Belgium and the European Union.
A pleasure to participate in the India – EU Business Roundtable today, alongside my ministerial colleagues, Minister – Presidents of Flanders and Wallonia, and business representatives from both countries.
Heartening to witness the energy and enthusiasm for deeper business,… pic.twitter.com/UelA53ptxg
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2026
The two leaders reviewed cooperation in political relations, trade, investment, clean energy, defense, mobility, and pharmaceuticals. They also explored new opportunities in ports, maritime connectivity, semiconductors, and efforts to build more resilient global supply chains. Regional and international developments, including the situation in West Asia, also featured in the discussions.
Belgium holds strategic importance for India beyond bilateral ties. Brussels hosts the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO, making the country a key political center in Europe.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s second-largest seaport, serves as a major gateway for Indian exports entering European markets.
The dialogue also comes as India and the European Union move closer to implementing their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement, expected to boost trade, investment, and market access. Belgium’s role as one of Europe’s leading trading nations is expected to be crucial once the agreement takes effect.
Speaking to the press after the 3rd India – EU Trade and Technology Council meeting.
🇮🇳 🇪🇺 https://t.co/T97ICBlVgy
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2026
A major focus of the discussions was strengthening supply chain resilience. Recent global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have prompted countries to reduce dependence on single-source manufacturing and diversify production networks.
Semiconductor cooperation emerged as another priority area. India is investing heavily in building its semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, while Belgium is home to Imec, one of the world’s leading semiconductor research centers.
The two countries are expected to explore collaboration in chip research, advanced packaging, talent development, and technology partnerships.
The ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in ports and maritime infrastructure, including smart ports, digital logistics, green shipping, and hydrogen-based maritime fuels. These initiatives support India’s ambition to become a global logistics hub while helping Europe strengthen its transport networks.
Clean energy was another key area of discussion. Belgium has invested in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies, while India continues to expand renewable energy capacity through solar power, green hydrogen, and battery storage projects. Greater collaboration could create new investment opportunities while supporting climate goals.
“By meeting regularly, we can build on what already exists and work more closely together in areas such as clean energy, innovation, security, and defense,” Prevot said after the meeting.
Concluded a productive meeting of the India – EU Trade and Technology Council alongside CIM @PiyushGoyal, MoS MEITY @JitinPrasada and Principle Scientific Advisor Prof Ajay K Sood.
Thank EVP @HennaVirkkunen, Commissioners @EZaharievaEU and @MarosSefcovic, for their useful inputs… pic.twitter.com/9yI5qwZCYy
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2026
Defense cooperation also featured prominently. While military ties between the two countries have traditionally been limited, both sides are looking to expand engagement in defense manufacturing, cybersecurity, maritime security, and emerging technologies as Europe strengthens partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries.
The dialogue also highlighted growing opportunities for skilled professionals. Improved mobility arrangements could benefit Indian IT specialists, engineers, researchers, healthcare workers, and students while supporting future trade in services.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade between India and Belgium reached $10.92 billion during 2025-26. India’s major exports include precious stones, chemicals, and base metals, while imports comprise precious metals, machinery, textiles, and chemicals. Diamond trade continues to remain one of the strongest pillars of the relationship.
Belgium has invested around $4.05 billion in India between April 2000 and June 2025, making it India’s 18th-largest foreign investor. Around 175 Belgian companies operate in India, while several Indian IT and technology firms have established operations in Belgium to serve the wider European market.
