Belgium PM to strengthen India ties on diamonds, defence and trade

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is set to undertake a three-day visit to India, signalling Antwerp's interest in strengthening ties with New Delhi across multiple sectors. The visit will prioritise deepening trade and investment cooperation, with particular emphasis on the diamond industry—a traditional pillar of Belgian commerce.

Defence and maritime cooperation will form key pillars of discussions during the visit. Both nations are expected to explore enhanced security partnerships and coordination in the maritime domain, reflecting shared interests in regional stability in South and Southeast Asia.

The Belgian leader's itinerary will also focus on capitalising on opportunities arising from ongoing India-EU free trade negotiations. Officials from both countries are anticipated to discuss how bilateral economic engagement can be accelerated and how the proposed trade framework can benefit Belgian and Indian businesses.

The visit reflects Belgium's broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with major Asian economies. As a key EU member state and home to significant diamond and logistics sectors, Belgium sees India as a critical partner for expanding commercial presence and deepening institutional cooperation in defence and maritime affairs.