The third round of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations was held on November 4, 2025, in Brussels, marking a significant step in the ongoing deepening of bilateral ties between the two countries. The consultations were co-chaired by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Ms. Theodora Gentzis, President of the Board, Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs of Belgium. This meeting underscored the growing maturity of India-Belgium relations, providing an opportunity for a comprehensive review and future roadmap setting across multiple dimensions of cooperation.
During the consultations, the two sides conducted an extensive review of the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnership through enhanced political dialogue, trade, investment cooperation, technology, science and innovation, defence and security, renewable energy, education, and vibrant people-to-people contacts. These discussions are part of a sustained effort following high-level visits earlier in 2025, including the successful economic delegation led by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium to India in March and reciprocal visits by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to India, as well as India’s External Affairs Minister to Belgium.
Key sectors highlighted for cooperation included technology-driven industries, green energy solutions, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. Both countries recognized their complementary strengths and the opportunities for joint ventures and innovation-led economic growth. There was strong emphasis on the importance of building institutional dialogue mechanisms to sustain these developments beyond periodic consultations.
A notable focus of the rounds was the discussion on the trajectory of India-European Union ties. The meeting took place in the backdrop of the historic visit by the EU College of Commissioners to India earlier in February 2025 and the articulation of the new India-EU Strategic Agenda. Both India and Belgium reiterated their commitment to advancing a comprehensive, balanced, equitable, and mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Given Belgium’s position as an EU member, its support is key in the broader EU framework, which is vital for India’s economic integration with European markets.
The consultations also touched upon cooperation in multilateral forums and institutional dialogues, reflecting the alignment of India and Belgium on various regional and global challenges. Both countries share interests in promoting peace, stability, and upholding a rules-based international order. The consultation reaffirmed the intent to sustain cooperation through open communication channels on geopolitical and economic issues of shared importance.
Besides economic and trade discussions, defence and security cooperation featured prominently in the consultations. Both sides reviewed ongoing collaboration and explored new avenues for defence technology sharing and security partnerships. These efforts align with a broader strategic partnership between India and Belgium aimed at strengthening regional stability and responding to emerging global security challenges collectively.
The consultations also reiterated the significance of educational collaboration and people-to-people contacts. Belgium, known for its prestigious academic institutions like KU Leuven, remains a popular destination for Indian students and researchers. The two sides committed to enhancing academic partnerships, exchanges, and cultural ties which contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and goodwill between the populations of both countries.
The third round of consultations set a forward-looking agenda for bilateral ties. The joint communiqué from the meeting outlined plans for quarterly virtual talks and a leaders’ summit in 2026 to continuously review progress and deepen cooperation. This structured approach reflects the growing importance both countries attach to their relations and their desire to build a sustainable partnership across multiple dimensions.
Belgium’s location in the heart of Europe and India’s growing geopolitical and economic clout make this partnership strategically significant. From leveraging technological innovation and green energy cooperation to enhancing trade volumes through an India-EU FTA and cooperating on global governance, the consultations cemented a shared vision of expanding collaboration underpinned by mutual respect and benefit.
The third round of India-Belgium Foreign Office Consultations in Brussels on November 4, 2025, reaffirmed the strong multi-sectoral partnership between the two countries. Discussions covered trade, technology, defence, education, and people-to-people ties, alongside a focus on advancing India-EU relations through a balanced Free Trade Agreement. Both nations showed a commitment to deepening strategic cooperation and addressing regional and global challenges together, with plans for continued dialogue and a leaders’ summit in 2026 to sustain momentum.
