India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue: India and Belgium have taken a big step in their ties by starting their first-ever Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 15, 2026. The new setup is meant to make talks between the two countries more regular, better planned, and focused on real results. It also fits into the bigger India-European Union Strategic Partnership.
The meeting was co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Both sides said the new dialogue will help them work more closely on important matters that matter to both countries.
The official statement said the dialogue will give the two sides a “regular, comprehensive and results-oriented framework” for political engagement. That means the talks will not stay one-time or symbolic. They are expected to keep going in a steady way and help both countries track progress.
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What do the both sides want to work on?
The new framework covers many areas. The two countries want to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, clean and green energy, innovation, technology, supply chains, maritime and port work, connectivity, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
Belgium pointed to its Economic Mission to India in March 2025 as a strong example of how business ties are growing. According to the joint statement, Minister Prévot said, “Trade, investment and innovation continue to bring our two countries closer together.” The full idea behind his words was simple: the economic bond is already strong and can grow more.
Dr. Jaishankar also said Belgium has a special place in India’s ties with Europe. He said, “Belgium occupies a special place in India’s engagement with Europe.” He added that the new dialogue can help both countries turn shared ideas into useful outcomes.
Defence and technology were also a major focus. The two sides looked at ways to work together on defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, secure supply chains, and new technologies. Semiconductors were also seen as an important field where both countries can cooperate more closely.
Business Forum
The launch of the dialogue was matched by the EU-India Business Forum, which was held the same day at the Federation of Belgian Enterprises, also known as FEB. The forum brought together business leaders from India, Belgium, and other European countries to talk about trade, investment, and industry links.
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The forum was attended by Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. On the Belgian side, senior regional leaders also took part. The talks looked at how political momentum can be turned into real business chances, especially as EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations move forward.
India and Belgium also agreed to work more closely on the clean energy transition. That includes renewable energy, green technology, and sustainable industrial growth.
