Prime Ministers Modi and Wever discuss deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation between India and Belgium, focusing on pharmaceuticals, life sciences, semiconductors, defence manufacturing, critical minerals, renewable energy, ports, logistics, space, and advanced technologies.
India and Belgium have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and economic cooperation. During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, the two leaders acknowledged the growing diversification of sectors in bilateral trade. They set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. Significant potential for cooperation was identified in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, semiconductors, defence manufacturing, critical minerals, renewable energy, ports, logistics, space, and advanced technologies. The two leaders also welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and called for its timely implementation.
In addition to economic cooperation, both leaders condemned terrorism, with Belgium conveying solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism following a recent attack in Pahalgam. They agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and explore the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
Defence cooperation was also bolstered through a Letter of Intent, which will facilitate regular exchanges, training, research, and defence-industrial partnerships. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Police of Belgium to combat transnational organised crime and cybercrime.
Beyond security cooperation, the leaders also discussed renewable energy, including green hydrogen, solar power, energy storage, and offshore wind. They encouraged greater cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, startups, and emerging technologies. The two sides agreed to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people ties by expanding visa processing capacity and exploring direct air connectivity between India and Belgium.
Prime Minister Modi also invited leading Belgian universities to establish campuses in India.
Source:
Akashvani News
