Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever focused on trade, diamonds and logistics during a series of business engagements in Mumbai on September 4.
One of his main stops was HRD Antwerp’s renovated and expanded diamond grading laboratory at the Bandra Kurla Complex. The expansion has increased capacity by 30%, allowing the facility to examine and grade up to 2,000 diamonds a day.
The visit also highlighted the close links between India’s diamond industry and Antwerp, one of the world’s major diamond trading centres. HRD Antwerp said its Indian operations now account for 59% of the organisation’s total group revenue.
Later, De Wever addressed the India-Belgium High-Level Dialogue on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The discussions looked at how the agreement could expand business ties across gems and jewellery, logistics, maritime services and advanced manufacturing.
He also promoted the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a gateway for Indian goods entering the European market. India is an important growth market for the port, which is looking to strengthen links between the two regions.
De Wever said the India-EU trade agreement could make supply chains more predictable at a time of growing disruption. He also warned against rising protectionism and trade barriers.
A Belgian delegation from the Antwerp-Bruges port community is expected to visit India in February 2027, with companies from the logistics, terminals, chemicals and energy sectors set to take part.
