Mumbai: Fadnavis proposes Antwerp partnership for ports and clean energy

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proposed a Mumbai-Antwerp Economic Partnership, positioning the two port cities for cooperation in logistics, green shipping, technology and clean energy.

Speaking at an India-Belgium dialogue in Mumbai, attended by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Fadnavis said Maharashtra could turn opportunities from the India-European Union free trade agreement into economic growth. He identified advanced manufacturing and green industries, semiconductors and electronics, clean energy, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and ports and logistics as priority areas.

Fadnavis pointed to Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the planned Vadhavan deep-sea port, Navi Mumbai International Airport and multimodal connectivity projects as parts of Maharashtra’s logistics plans. He also proposed collaboration between Belgian semiconductor research institute imec and Maharashtra’s universities and technology ecosystem.

De Wever said Antwerp-Bruges could serve as a gateway for Indian exports to Europe, citing Belgian experience in food processing and cold-chain management. A delegation from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Belgian logistics, chemicals and energy businesses is expected in India in February 2027.