India- Belgium: First dialogue to boost Defence, Trade and Technology

New Delhi, July 16: India and Belgium held their first Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including defence, semiconductors, trade, investment, clean energy and technology.

 

 

The dialogue was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the new Strategic Dialogue establishes a structured and comprehensive framework for regular political engagement under the broader India-European Union Strategic Partnership.

 

During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress in bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, green energy transition, innovation, connectivity, defence, security, supply chains and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries also discussed regional and global developments and stressed the need for regular high-level engagements to maintain momentum.

 

Jaishankar highlighted Belgium's important role in India's engagement with Europe and said the growing India-EU partnership provides fresh opportunities to expand cooperation. In a post on X, he said the discussions reflected the shared ambition of India and Belgium to strengthen their partnership across multiple sectors.

 

 

 

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot noted that the Belgian Economic Mission to India in March 2025 had further strengthened economic ties between the two countries. He said growing trade, investment and innovation provide a strong foundation for future collaboration.

 

Alongside the Strategic Dialogue, the India-EU Business Forum was held at the Federation of Belgian Enterprises. The event brought together business leaders and government representatives from India, Belgium and other European countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities.

 

 

The forum was attended by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Minister of State Jitin Prasada, Belgian Minister-President of Flanders Matthias Diependaele, and Minister-President of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont. Discussions focused on the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and ways to expand business partnerships.