Belgian PM Bart De Wever calls India a major economic, technological and geopolitical power
India’s rise on the global stage has gone well beyond its immediate neighbourhood, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday, describing the country as an economic and technological powerhouse and an increasingly influential geopolitical player.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, De Wever said India’s transformation over the past two decades had been remarkable. He particularly highlighted the changes during PM Modi’s tenure, while calling India an important partner for Belgium.
“Today, you are not only the world’s largest democracy but also the fastest-growing major economy,” De Wever said, adding that India’s influence now extends “way beyond this region.”
Defence ties take centre stage
The Belgian leader’s comments came during his first India visit in 20 years, with defence emerging as one of the key areas of the renewed engagement.
India and Belgium exchanged a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation covering government-to-government contacts, military exchanges, research, innovation, co-development and potential co-production. Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken was part of the delegation.
The two countries are also expanding cooperation into clean energy, semiconductors, critical minerals and maritime security, signalling a relationship that is moving beyond traditional economic links such as the diamond trade.
India-EU trade deal adds momentum
De Wever also welcomed the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement after nearly two decades of negotiations, calling it a major milestone.
He said the pact could improve market access, encourage investment and provide businesses with greater regulatory certainty. Belgium is expected to host the formal signing later this year, with De Wever inviting Modi to Brussels in December.
Modi, meanwhile, said India-Belgium ties had expanded significantly over the past decade, moving into strategic areas including defence and clean energy.
A relationship looking beyond economics
The Belgian PM’s remarks underline how Brussels increasingly views New Delhi not merely as a major trading partner but as a strategic player whose influence extends across global affairs.
De Wever also expressed condolences over the deaths of Indian nationals in the devastating Nepal floods.
With defence cooperation, clean energy, technology and the EU trade pact all gaining momentum, the India-Belgium relationship appears to be entering a more strategic phase.
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