India and Belgium deepen defense and energy ties with aim to double trade turnover

In New Delhi, India and Belgium signed a series of memoranda and agreements on Thursday aimed at deepening bilateral interaction in the fields of renewable energy, defense, trade, investment, maritime affairs, critical minerals, semiconductors, and research. These agreements were concluded during meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi.

The agreements were exchanged at Hyderabad House in the presence of both leaders, as both sides seek to transform long-standing relations between India and Belgium into a broader strategic and economic partnership.

Prime Minister Modi stated that the countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in several new areas, including startups, enhancing maritime capabilities, universities, and scientific research. Furthermore, they are working on an Agreement on Migration and Mobility Partnership to facilitate talent movement.

Modi emphasized that an agreement was reached today to strengthen ties between startups and enhance maritime competence. He also noted that an Agreement on Migration and Mobility Partnership will be signed soon. The Prime Minister added that both countries share the principles of the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy, having discussed regional and global events.

An agreement on renewable energy was highlighted, which will give a new impetus to bilateral cooperation on sustainable development issues. The parties also decided to intensify joint work on the recycling and processing of critical minerals.

The Prime Minister also stressed defense cooperation as a key pillar of the relationship. An increase in military exchanges and joint exercises was agreed upon. Agreements concluded between governments and defense industries will open up new opportunities for joint development and production of defense equipment. Additionally, the parties intend to strengthen intelligence sharing and cooperation in combating crime.

Modi mentioned that India and Belgium are working on modern defense equipment, citing the Zorawar tank as an example. In the field of clean energy, the renewable energy agreement will strengthen sustainability, while the planned integration of the Belgian Institute IMEC with India's semiconductor ecosystem will combine Belgian expertise with India's scale.

In the context of economic ties, following the signing of the Indo-European Trade Agreement earlier this year, Modi reported that India and Belgium have taken steps to realize the potential of this agreement. An 'Accelerated Investment Mechanism' has been established in India for Belgian companies, and the Indo-Belgian Business Forum will become a regular event. The goal of these measures is to double bilateral trade within the next five years.

During De Wever's visit, which is the first visit by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in two decades, geopolitical issues were also discussed. Modi emphasized that both countries support peace-building efforts, whether in Ukraine or West Asia, and share a common commitment to eradicating terrorism.

Against the backdrop of global uncertainty affecting supply chains, Modi noted that the Indian economy remains dynamic, demonstrating growth of 7.8% in the last quarter.

De Wever's visit, which began on September 2 and lasted until September 4, was accompanied by the Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Franken. Earlier on Thursday, Franken held a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Belgian Minister, where the expansion of defense cooperation was discussed. Singh welcomed greater interaction with the defense companies of both countries.

Franken called for deeper cooperation with India, highlighting its technological capabilities, and noted that Belgium needs partners like India for future projects. He also referred to Belgium's economic mission in March 2025, which contributed to the development of bilateral ties.

Discussions on trans-Pacific cooperation and mutual benefit were the central theme of the CGTN panel discussion at the annual AABIP meeting in Denver. Experts from both countries shared their views on joint work.

Professor Sun Jiayuan from Shanghai Lung Hospital presented an example of using shape-sensing robotic bronchoscopy (ssRAB), invented in the US and implemented in China in 2021. His team collaborated with American specialists to treat Chinese patients: the US provided device innovations, while China contributed a large number of clinical cases and rapid clinical adaptation.

By December 2025, specialists from 13 hospitals in Asia, Europe, and North America gathered 18 experts to develop the world's first international consensus on the use of ssRAB for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions. All 38 recommendations were unanimously approved.

Dr. Sonali Sethi, President of the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), noted that lung cancer issues are similar in China and the US. She also highly praised the CT-based lung screening system in China, which promotes early disease diagnosis.

Discussing technological advancements, Dr. Sethi emphasized that the emergence of navigational robotic platforms allows doctors to reach smaller and peripheral lesions, detect cancer earlier, and transition patients from late stages (III/IV) to Stage I or II, where chances of recovery are significantly higher.

Furthermore, she pointed to the importance of integrating imaging with robotics. Mobile cone-beam computed tomography systems combined with tomosynthesis and artificial intelligence algorithms now provide real-time intraoperative visualization with low radiation doses, increasing accuracy and reducing costs.

Professor George Chen from the Department of Pulmonology at UCSD (University of California San Diego) noted that Chinese companies are utilizing the acquired clinical technologies and lessons to improve them, and there is potential for the reverse transfer of innovations from China to Europe and the US for the benefit of local patients.

Professor Chen added that this dynamic mutual enrichment of technologies and healthcare models is a future direction and will contribute to improving the quality of care provided by doctors to patients.

Professor Hou Gan from the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital highlighted the necessity of staff training. He proposed creating a faculty training program between the US and China, stating that trans-Pacific cooperation is valuable for evaluating new methods and disseminating them globally, ultimately benefiting more patients.

Founded in 1992, AABIP provides participants with the opportunity to present research, network with colleagues, and develop joint projects. The event also serves as a platform for exchanging the latest advances in research and clinical practice to improve patient care.