India, Belgium deepen defence, clean-energy ties; target doubling trade

India and Belgium signed agreements to deepen defence and clean-energy cooperation and committed to doubling bilateral trade within five years during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever in New Delhi. Modi highlighted India's 7.8% economic growth as a global opportunity, and the two sides announced a mechanism to fast-track investment. The visit produced five MoUs, including two on indigenous defence manufacturing, and five announcements, such as appointing a defence attache in Brussels. On fugitive Mehul Choksi, India said law enforcement cooperation remains a key aspect of ties. The leaders also discussed Ukraine, West Asia, semiconductors, and clean energy, while Belgium condemned the Pahalgam attack and both sides agreed to conclude a migration agreement.