India-Belgium Strengthening Strategic Partnership

Joint Statement Highlights: India-Belgium Relations

1. Historical Context:

   • India and Belgium share deep historical ties, notably during World War I when thousands of Indian soldiers fought in Belgium.

2. Strategic Partnership:

   • Recent developments have expanded cooperation from traditional sectors to strategic areas such as defense and clean energy.
   • Collaboration includes the development of advanced defense equipment like the Zorawar tank.

3. Economic Growth:

   • India’s economy recorded a growth rate of 7.8% in the last quarter.
   • The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (2023) aims to enhance economic ties and promote global stability and shared prosperity.

4. Investment Initiatives:

   • Establishment of an “Investment Fast-Track Mechanism” for Belgian companies in India.
   • Formation of the India-Belgium Business Forum to enhance business collaboration.

5. Bilateral Trade Goals:

   • Target to double bilateral trade in the next five years through various initiatives.

6. Defense and Security Cooperation:

   • Agreement to enhance military exchange and training cooperation.
   • Focus on defense co-development and co-production through government and defense industry agreements.
   • Strengthening intelligence sharing and cooperation against crime.

7. Clean Energy and Sustainability:

   • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on renewable energy to enhance sustainability cooperation.
   • Collaboration on critical minerals processing and recycling.
   • Joint efforts in the semiconductor sector, leveraging Belgium's expertise and India's scale, particularly through the IMEC Institute partnership.

8. People-to-People Ties:

   • Initiatives to strengthen connections between startups and enhance capacity building in the maritime sector.
   • Plans to solidify university and research collaborations.
   • Upcoming “Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement” to facilitate talent mobility.

9. Global and Regional Issues:

   • Both nations emphasize the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy in addressing global conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine and West Asia.
   • Commitment to countering terrorism in all forms.

10. Cultural Ties:

    • Recognition of the long-standing connection between India and Belgium through the diamond trade, aiming to evolve this historical relationship into a broader partnership.

The joint statement underscores a commitment to fostering a robust partnership that addresses economic, defense, and cultural dimensions, paving the way for future collaborations.