India-Belgium Joint Statement on the visit of the Prime Minister of Belgium to India
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever paid an official visit to India from 2-4 September 2026, his first since taking office, during which India and Belgium issued a joint statement covering UNSC reform, the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, defence cooperation, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and a target to double bilateral trade within five years.
Why It Matters
Highly relevant for UPSC and state-PSC candidates studying India's bilateral relations, UN Security Council reform, the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, and India's defence diplomacy and green energy partnerships.
In Simple Words
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India from 2-4 September 2026 — his first visit since taking office in February 2025 — and held talks with PM Modi. The two countries issued a joint statement covering UN Security Council reform (with Belgium backing India's permanent membership bid), the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, and a goal to double bilateral trade within five years.
The leaders also agreed on defence cooperation (including a Letter of Intent between defence ministries), an MoU on Renewable Energy, and deeper cooperation in semiconductors, green hydrogen and critical minerals. Belgium and India also agreed to support each other's UN Security Council non-permanent membership bids — India for 2028-29 and Belgium for 2037-38.
Key Points
- Belgian PM Bart De Wever visited India 2-4 September 2026, his first visit since taking office in February 2025
- The two countries recalled the sacrifice of more than 9,000 Indian soldiers in Flanders Fields during World War I
- Belgium reaffirmed support for India's candidature for permanent UN Security Council membership
- India and Belgium agreed to support each other's non-permanent UNSC bids: India for 2028-29, Belgium for 2037-38
- The India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations concluded at the India-EU Summit on 27 January 2026
- Belgium is the 24th biggest economy in the world; both sides aim to double bilateral trade within 5 years
- A Letter of Intent was signed between the two Ministries of Defence for exchanges, training and defence-industrial partnerships
- 80th anniversary of Belgium-India diplomatic relations falls in 2027
Exam Angle
A. India for the 2028-29 term and Belgium for the 2037-38 term.
Source: Press Information Bureau