On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of India-Belgium relations after meeting Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi.
PM Modi said shared democratic values, market economies and strong people-to-people ties make India and Belgium natural partners. He added that bilateral relations have expanded significantly over the past decade and now cover strategic areas such as defence and clean energy.
India and Belgium agreed to expand military exchanges and training. Their governments and defence industries will explore new opportunities for co-development and co-production.
PM Modi announced stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation to combat crime.
India and Belgium are collaborating on modern defence equipment, including the Zorawar tank.
PM Modi highlighted India’s 7.8 per cent growth in the latest quarter despite global conflicts and disruptions affecting food, fuel and supply chains. He said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement signed in January would open new economic opportunities.
India has established an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies, while both sides will make the India-Belgium Business Forum a regular platform.
The Prime Minister said the two countries aim to double bilateral trade within five years.
India and Belgium will expand cooperation in clean energy, critical mineral processing and recycling. The two countries are working on a major green ammonia project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
PM Modi welcomed the renewable energy MoU and said Belgium’s semiconductor expertise and India’s scale could support the integration of Belgium’s IMEC Institute with India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
PM Modi recalled the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in Belgium during the First World War, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries.
Also Read: India-Belgium Talks: PM Modi Meets Bart De Wever At Hyderabad House
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