New Delhi/Brussels – March 27, 2025:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium on Thursday, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening India-Belgium bilateral relations across key sectors. The discussion underscored the shared interest in enhancing trade, investment, innovation, and sustainability between the two democracies.
The interaction between the Indian Prime Minister and the Belgian monarch comes at a pivotal moment in global diplomacy, as both countries seek to recalibrate their economic and strategic engagements in a shifting international environment. The outreach builds on recent diplomatic momentum generated by a high-profile Belgian Economic Mission to India earlier this month, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid.
A Diplomatic Push for Economic Growth
During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi conveyed appreciation for Belgium’s proactive diplomatic and economic outreach. Referring specifically to the Belgian Economic Mission, Modi acknowledged the strong intent of both governments to forge deeper trade partnerships and build collaborative frameworks that go beyond traditional sectors.
“It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Philippe of Belgium. Appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid,” Modi posted on X. “We discussed deepening our strong bilateral ties, boosting trade & investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation & sustainability.”
India’s invitation to Belgian businesses signals an openness to forge strategic collaborations across advanced sectors such as clean technologies, defence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture-tech, and academia—areas where Belgium maintains deep expertise and market presence.
Princess Astrid’s Economic Mission: A 300-Member Delegation Signals Intent
On March 4, Prime Minister Modi personally met Princess Astrid in New Delhi, where he welcomed the delegation of over 300 Belgian industry leaders, government representatives, and academics. The mission aimed to explore sectoral partnerships and develop a roadmap for long-term cooperation in areas of shared interest.
During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister underscored the enormous potential of India-Belgium partnerships, stating that such interactions could unlock vast opportunities for people on both sides. “Pleased to meet HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium. Deeply appreciate her initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India. Look forward to unlocking limitless opportunities for our people through new partnerships in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling, and academic exchanges,” Modi shared on social media.
The Economic Mission, which included representation from more than 200 Belgian companies, engaged in a series of business summits, bilateral talks, and networking events across multiple Indian cities. The delegation sought investment opportunities and strategic alliances in emerging Indian markets such as green hydrogen, digital infrastructure, and biotechnology.
A Longstanding Bilateral Relationship Seeking a Modern Framework
India and Belgium share a historic partnership rooted in trade, culture, and diplomatic alignment. Belgium has consistently ranked among India’s top trading partners in the European Union, with bilateral trade exceeding $19 billion in 2023. Diamonds, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and chemicals constitute the backbone of this trade relationship.
India remains an attractive destination for Belgian investors, given its large consumer base, skilled workforce, and government-backed reforms in manufacturing and logistics. Belgian firms, including those in ports, logistics, fintech, and renewable energy, have shown interest in India’s flagship initiatives such as “Make in India,” “Digital India,” and “Startup India.”
Belgium, on its part, offers Indian businesses an entry point into European markets. With its strategic location, efficient transport networks, and robust regulatory frameworks, the country acts as a gateway to the EU, especially for Indian pharmaceutical and IT firms.
Spotlight on Innovation and Sustainability
The recent exchanges between Indian and Belgian leadership also place a notable emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and academic exchange. With both countries committed to climate action and green transition, new areas of cooperation are emerging in clean energy technologies, including offshore wind, hydrogen fuel, and circular economy models.
Belgian research institutions and universities are exploring partnerships with Indian counterparts in renewable energy, space technology, and artificial intelligence. Academic exchange programs and vocational training collaborations are also under consideration to promote skills development aligned with future industry needs.
Diplomatic Nuances Amid Legal Concerns
While economic diplomacy formed the central theme of the dialogue, it also comes against the backdrop of a sensitive legal matter involving fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi. Although not officially part of the Modi-King Philippe conversation, the timing of the call raises questions about the broader context of India-Belgium legal cooperation.
Responding to queries on Choksi’s potential presence in Belgium, David Jordens, Spokesperson for Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, acknowledged the gravity of the matter. “I can confirm that the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs is aware of this case and attaches great importance and attention to it. However, we do not comment on individual cases. Furthermore, this case falls under the competence of the Federal Public Service Justice,” he stated.
The Indian government has been pursuing extradition and legal proceedings against Choksi, who is wanted in connection with the multi-billion-dollar Punjab National Bank fraud case. Belgium’s continued cooperation on judicial matters could play a role in advancing mutual legal assistance between the two countries.
Belgium’s Expanding Role in India’s European Strategy
Belgium is gradually becoming a significant player in India’s wider European outreach. The two countries have increased engagement within multilateral platforms, including the India-EU Summit and the UN. Cooperation in climate negotiations, cyber security, maritime safety, and digital governance are likely to gain traction as both governments expand their strategic dialogue.
From India’s perspective, Belgium’s status as host to the European Union institutions in Brussels enhances its diplomatic leverage in influencing broader EU-India policymaking. Belgium, in turn, views India as a trusted partner in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains and strategic alliances.
The recent conversation between Prime Minister Modi and King Philippe marks a step forward in elevating India-Belgium relations to a modern, forward-looking partnership. While economic diplomacy continues to be the cornerstone of this bilateral relationship, emerging areas such as innovation, sustainability, academic exchange, and legal cooperation are redefining the contours of engagement.
With both countries committed to fostering mutual growth and international collaboration, the groundwork has been laid for a deeper, multidimensional alliance that aligns with contemporary global realities.
