Brussels: India Belgium strategic dialogue marked a major milestone in bilateral relations as both countries launched their first-ever Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 15, 2026. The new framework aims to strengthen cooperation in defence, trade, semiconductors, clean energy, supply chains, innovation and technology. The initiative is designed to make political engagement more structured, regular and result-oriented while supporting the broader India-European Union Strategic Partnership.
Details of India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue
India and Belgium officially launched their inaugural Strategic Dialogue in Brussels. The meeting created a long-term framework for expanding cooperation across strategic sectors.
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According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the joint statement issued after the meeting, the dialogue will be held regularly to review progress and identify new areas of collaboration.
India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue Co-Chaired by Senior Leaders
The Strategic Dialogue was jointly chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot.
Both leaders agreed that closer India-Belgium cooperation will benefit not only the two countries but also strengthen India-Europe relations.
India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue: Key Areas of Cooperation
The two countries decided to deepen cooperation in several important sectors, including:
- Defence and security
- Trade and investment
- Semiconductors
- Clean and green energy
- Innovation and emerging technologies
- Supply chain resilience
- Maritime and port cooperation
- Connectivity and mobility
- People-to-people exchanges
These sectors are expected to create new opportunities for businesses, industries and strategic cooperation.
Focus on Trade and Investment
Belgium highlighted the success of its Economic Mission to India held in March 2025. The mission helped increase business partnerships and investment opportunities between companies from both countries.
Both governments agreed to encourage greater investment, technology transfer and industrial collaboration in the coming years.
Stronger Defence and Technology Partnership
Defence cooperation emerged as one of the major topics during the discussions. The leaders explored ways to improve collaboration in defence manufacturing, emerging technologies, cybersecurity and secure supply chains. Semiconductors were also identified as a strategic sector where both countries can work closely together.
Green Energy and Climate Goals
India and Belgium also agreed to work together on the clean energy transition. Future cooperation will focus on renewable energy, green technologies and sustainable industrial development. Both countries believe these efforts will support climate goals while creating economic opportunities.
India-EU Partnership Gets New Momentum
Dr. Jaishankar said Belgium holds a special place in India’s engagement with Europe. He noted that stronger India-Belgium ties will also support the broader India-European Union Strategic Partnership and help expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
India-EU Business Forum Held Alongside Dialogue
Along with the Strategic Dialogue, an India-EU Business Forum was organised at the Federation of Belgian Enterprises. The forum brought together business leaders from India, Belgium and other European countries to discuss investment opportunities, trade expansion and industrial cooperation.
Senior Ministers Participate
The business forum was attended by several senior leaders, including:
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
- Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada
- Belgian ministers responsible for trade and economic affairs
The discussions also reviewed progress in India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations and explored new opportunities for businesses.
