Belgian PM Bart De Wever in India: Trade, Defence and Strategic Ties Take Centre Stage

New Delhi: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit to India from September 2 to 4, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit is aimed at giving fresh momentum to India-Belgium relations, with discussions expected to focus on trade, investment, defence, technology, connectivity and strategic cooperation.

First India Visit for Bart De Wever

De Wever, who took office as Belgium’s Prime Minister in 2025, is visiting India for the first time. His visit also marks the first trip to India by a Belgian Prime Minister in nearly two decades.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed De Wever on his arrival in New Delhi. He was received by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

The MEA described the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the “close and multifaceted partnership” between India and Belgium.

PM Modi-De Wever Meeting on September 3

The Belgian Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 3. The two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of India-Belgium relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Trade and economic cooperation are likely to feature prominently in the discussions. De Wever will also participate in a business event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to be an important topic.

De Wever to Visit Mumbai on September 4

Following his New Delhi engagements, De Wever will travel to Mumbai on September 4. During his Mumbai visit, he is expected to meet stakeholders from several key sectors, including diamonds, ports and logistics.

The Mumbai leg is significant given Belgium’s longstanding economic links with India, particularly in the diamond trade and maritime sectors.

India-Belgium Strategic Partnership Expanding

The two countries have been steadily expanding cooperation across defence, security, technology, innovation, renewable energy, connectivity, maritime affairs and port infrastructure.

India and Belgium had also discussed strengthening their strategic dialogue and bilateral cooperation during a meeting between their Foreign Ministers on July 15, 2026.

Belgium is among India’s important economic partners in Europe. According to the information provided, Belgian FDI into India stood at around US$4.2 billion between April 2000 and December 2025.

Belgian companies are also involved in India’s renewable energy sector, while Belgium has supported India’s longstanding demand for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

The Belgian Prime Minister’s visit is therefore being viewed as an important opportunity to deepen the partnership between the two countries while giving greater impetus to trade, investment and strategic cooperation.