New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a three-day official visit to India, with discussions on trade, defence, technology, renewable energy and broader India-EU engagement expected to feature prominently during his stay.
The visit marks De Wever’s first trip to India since he assumed office in February last year. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken is accompanying the Prime Minister as part of the high-level delegation.
Later on Thursday, De Wever is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions are expected to cover the full range of India-Belgium relations as well as regional and global developments of mutual interest.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the Belgian Prime Minister’s arrival in New Delhi, saying the visit would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the “close and multifaceted” partnership between the two countries. De Wever was received at the airport by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
According to the MEA, the visit will focus on advancing cooperation across several sectors, including bilateral trade and investment, defence and security, technology, renewable energy, connectivity and people-to-people ties. The two sides are also expected to explore ways to deepen India-Europe and India-EU engagement.
As part of his New Delhi programme, De Wever will deliver a keynote address at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) business event. His address is expected to focus on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the opportunities it could create for businesses and investors on both sides.
Following his engagements in the national capital, the Belgian Prime Minister will travel to Mumbai, where he is scheduled to meet stakeholders from key sectors, including diamonds, ports and logistics.
The visit comes against the backdrop of longstanding diplomatic relations between India and Belgium. Belgium was among the first European countries to establish diplomatic relations with independent India in September 1947.
The Indian Embassy in Brussels has described the bilateral relationship as being rooted in shared values, including respect for the rule of law, federalism and pluralism. Over the decades, the partnership has expanded across political, economic, technological and strategic areas.
Belgium has also expressed support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), an issue of significance in New Delhi’s efforts to secure greater representation for developing countries in the global decision-making system.
With De Wever’s visit, India and Belgium are expected to seek greater momentum in their economic and strategic cooperation while also working towards stronger India-EU ties in trade, security, technology and other emerging areas.
