Belgium Prime Minister Bart De Wever acknowledged during an official visit to New Delhi that European nations ignored early warnings from India regarding overcapacity dumping and the risks of strategic economic dependencies on Beijing. Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry event, De Wever described the continent's realization as a rude awakening following years of unheeded counsel from Indian leaders.
De Wever stated that Europe watched passively as foreign competitors dumped below-cost goods into domestic markets, eroding industrial foundations and forging leverage points that could be weaponized. Without directly naming Beijing initially, the Belgian leader remarked that the primary beneficiary of these practices was a familiar neighbour situated not far from the region.
A Rude Awakening to Overcapacity and Leverage
The Belgian Prime Minister detailed how years of complacency allowed overseas industrial overcapacity to undercut local European manufacturing sectors. He emphasized that deliberate economic dependencies have compromised the continent's strategic autonomy, noting that the resulting vulnerabilities can be exploited as geopolitical leverage during times of friction.
Reflecting on the miscalculation, De Wever offered a blunt assessment of diplomatic missteps and the failure to anticipate long-term supply chain risks. “For Europe, these past years have been a rude awakening. For too long, Europe looked on as overcapacity was dumped below costs on our markets. As its industrial base was undermined and as dependencies were deliberately built up so that it could be used as leverage,” he noted during his address.
Acknowledging India's Early Strategic Foresight
Addressing the audience in New Delhi, De Wever admitted that Indian policymakers identified structural economic threats long before European capitals recognized the danger. He specifically credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian leadership with issuing early alerts about the dangers of over-reliance on a single dominant trade partner.
Confirming that Europe's perspective has fundamentally shifted, De Wever stated, “India saw this earlier than we did. And they warned us. And we didn’t listen. But we are drawing our conclusions now.” Reports from Inshorts and other attending outlets reinforced that similar warnings regarding market distortions had also been flagged directly by Indian counterparts over preceding years.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Defence Cooperation
The two-day official visit, spanning from September 2 to September 4, culminated in broader bilateral agreements between India and Belgium. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister De Wever identified critical minerals, high technologies, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing as essential pillars to insulate supply chains against global fragmentation.
In addition to technological partnerships, both governments agreed to expand bilateral defence cooperation by signing a series of formal pacts. These arrangements are designed to cement strategic trust and reinforce maritime security in an increasingly volatile international environment characterized by geopolitical realignments.
Protecting Economic Interests Within Free Trade Frameworks
De Wever defended the prerogative of sovereign nations to safeguard core economic priorities while maintaining a commitment to open global trade. He argued that robust commercial relations require mutual respect and protection against coercive economic practices rather than uncritical openness.
Elaborating on the balance between commerce and security, the Belgian leader maintained that defensive self-interest remains vital for maintaining market trust. “Defending self-interest is essential to build the trust on which free trade depends. The concept is credible when the country is neither naive nor willing to compromise its essential interest. Trust rests on mutual respect,” he observed. He further emphasized that Europe refuses to be pushed around or allow commercial ties to become instruments of coercion.
As European capitals reevaluate their economic security frameworks, the diplomatic exchanges in New Delhi signal a concerted push toward diversified partnerships. With the ongoing discussions surrounding the broader India-EU Free Trade Agreement, both regions are positioning themselves to construct resilient, anti-fragile supply networks that mitigate future geopolitical shocks.
