Belgium PM De Wever calls India a major geopolitical partner in New Delhi

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called India a "major geopolitical factor" during talks in New Delhi on Thursday, pledging to elevate bilateral ties economically, politically, and strategically. He is the first Belgian PM to visit India in 20 years. De Wever highlighted complementarity, pitching Belgium as a gateway to Europe offering technology and specialization against India's scale and talent. The leaders agreed to double bilateral trade beyond $26 billion within five years, backed by an investment fast-track mechanism for Belgian firms. Defence ties gained strategic weight, with ministers agreeing to expand cooperation through dialogue, training, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. This marks a significant expansion beyond the traditional diamond trade into defence-industrial partnerships, including modern equipment like the Zorawar light tank.