Belgian PM De Wever Praises Modi as Inspiring Leader, Hits Out at Tariff Shifts

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "one of the most inspiring world leaders" during a speech in Mumbai on Friday, while also criticizing arbitrary tariff policies in a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump. De Wever, speaking at the India-Belgium High-Level Dialogue on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, said Modi's words carry inspiration and guidance, adding "when Mr. Modi speaks, you think, 'we should do what he says'". He also condemned shifting trade policies, noting some leaders impose tariffs, revoke them, and reinstall them within days. The visit marked De Wever's first official trip to India since taking office in February 2025. India and Belgium agreed to double bilateral trade over five years and signed a defence cooperation letter of intent, aligning with India's strategy to diversify trade partnerships amid geopolitical volatility.