Belgium-India Collaboration under the EU Trade Pact

During a high‑level dialogue in Mumbai, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined Minister Piyush Goyal to explore deeper economic ties between Belgium and India under the EU‑India FTA.

Both countries identified five complementary sectors: diamonds and jewellery, micro‑electronics, semiconductor design and manufacturing, green hydrogen logistics, and defence technology. Belgium’s world‑class micro‑electronics research can combine with India’s large, skilled workforce to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem, from design to fab.

In the diamond trade, Antwerp‑Bruges ports are envisioned as strategic gateways for lab‑grown and natural stones, with mutual recognition of certification standards to streamline market entry. Joint R&D on sustainable mining and cutting technologies could unlock new product lines.

Defence collaboration also gained momentum, with discussions on drone‑resistant systems, precision weapons, and potential export of Indian BrahMos and Pinaka missiles to Western markets. Belgian firm John Cockerill’s ammunition capabilities complement India’s artillery needs, pointing to a deepening industrial partnership.

Overall, the dialogue underscored that Belgium sees the EU‑India FTA as a launchpad for bilateral projects that can scale across the entire European Union.