NEW DELHI: India and Belgium on Thursday agreed to substantially broaden bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy and emerging technologies during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Addressing the media after the discussions, Modi said India’s economy had maintained strong momentum despite global uncertainties, registering a 7.8 per cent growth in the latest quarter. He said India’s economic expansion was creating confidence and opening up new opportunities for countries around the world.
The talks covered a wide range of issues, with both sides underlining the need to build a broader and more strategic partnership. De Wever described the conclusion of the India-European Union free trade agreement as a significant milestone in bilateral and wider economic ties.
Modi noted that conflicts in several parts of the world continued to disrupt food and fuel supplies and global supply chains. “Today, the world is passing through a phase of great upheaval. In many parts of the world, situations of conflict persist. Food, fuel or supply chains- uncertainty is affecting every sector,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated India’s support for resolving the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy.
“India and Belgium, both believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we support all efforts for the early end of conflicts and for peace,” Modi said.
He also said the two countries were united in their resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.
On economic and technological cooperation, Modi identified clean energy and resilient supply chains as key areas of common interest. He said a memorandum of understanding signed on renewable energy would provide fresh momentum to cooperation in sustainability and clean energy.
India and Belgium also agreed to strengthen collaboration in critical minerals, particularly in processing and recycling. Modi said Belgium’s technological capabilities in semiconductors and India’s large-scale manufacturing potential could complement each other and create new avenues for cooperation.
The discussions are expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Belgium at a time when both countries are seeking to expand economic and technological cooperation amid changing global supply chains.