India and Belgium have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations significantly, focusing on defence cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and economic collaboration. This agreement was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Thursday.
Key Agreements
During the bilateral discussions, PM Modi expressed confidence that these talks would mark the beginning of a new chapter in India-Belgium relations. He stated:
“"Defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of our relationship. Today, we agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation between the two countries."
The two leaders agreed on several key points:
- Strengthening military exchanges and training cooperation.
- Enhancing intelligence-sharing to combat crime.
- Establishing an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism for Belgian companies in India.
- Doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.
- Boosting partnerships in semiconductors and entering a pact on renewable energy.
Defence Cooperation
Defence delegations from both countries met to discuss cooperation in various sectors, including drones, anti-mine systems, rockets, tanks, and munitions. PM Modi highlighted the importance of these agreements for defence co-development and co-production, stating:
