India-Belgium Economic Ties: Emphasis on FTA, New Era of Strategic Partnership

High-Level Bilateral Meeting Concludes

Belgium Prime Minister Bart De Wever concluded a high-level bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to India. During the meeting, leaders from both nations emphasized the need for swift implementation of the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Describing the agreement as a historic milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries, both heads of state reiterated their shared commitment to further deepen economic cooperation. Following this significant meeting, both nations released a comprehensive 'India-Belgium Joint Statement', outlining the future framework for bilateral cooperation.

Strategic Dialogue and Future Cooperation

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, both Prime Ministers also welcomed the successful launch of the first India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 15, 2026. This dialogue was co-chaired by the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry stated that this strategic dialogue was established under the broader India-EU Strategic Partnership. The objective of this dialogue is to establish a regular and comprehensive mechanism to advance cooperation in trade and investment, green transition, technology, connectivity, defense, security, and people-to-people relations.

Global Challenges and Multilateralism

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a fair and peaceful international order, jointly addressing critical global challenges, and better preparing the world for emerging developments, including in the technological and economic spheres. They specifically stressed the urgent need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to better represent the current world.

They also reiterated the call for reformed and more effective multilateralism, centered on the principles of the United Nations Charter. The leaders underscored the importance of the India-EU Strategic Partnership for India-Belgium relations, calling for the timely implementation of the India-EU FTA.

FTA to Unlock New Markets and Trade Expansion

The goal of the FTA is to fully realize the true potential of trade and investment cooperation by diversifying critical value chains and opening up new markets. Both countries have agreed to further expand their traditionally strong economic and trade relations. The Belgian Prime Minister's delegation includes the Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken, and a delegation of business leaders.

This delegation is scheduled to meet with Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar for in-depth discussions on various ways to further enhance trade between the two nations.