Belgian PM in Mumbai criticizes tariff swings, backs India-EU trade pact

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever criticized arbitrary tariffs and shifting trade policies, in an apparent swipe at US President Donald Trump, while advocating for open markets and stronger economic partnerships during a visit to Mumbai. Speaking at the India-Belgium High-Level Dialogue on Friday, De Wever warned against protectionism, saying some countries impose tariffs arbitrarily, deciding on Monday, revoking on Wednesday, and reinstalling on Saturday. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the world's most inspiring leaders and highlighted the India-EU free trade agreement as a major step toward economic resilience. De Wever, on his first official visit to India since taking office in February 2025, said the India-EU agreement, concluded in January, creates a market of 2 billion consumers and a quarter of the world economy. India and Belgium also set a target of doubling bilateral trade over five years and signed agreements on defence cooperation.