- India and Belgium announced they are strengthening bilateral military relations by signing eight contracts between arms companies from both sides, besides announcing the deployment of a senior official in their respective embassies to promote defence industry cooperation.
- The two nations also signed a Letter of Intent to facilitate regular exchanges, staff talks and research cooperation.
- While Belgium has appointed a Defence Attache in New Delhi, India will reciprocate by posting a resident Defence Attache in the Indian Embassy in Brussels in the near future, according to the Joint Statement issued after the Modi-De Wever meeting.
- The agreements signed include areas like ammunition, rockets, autonomous maritime systems, mine warfare, electro-optics, drones and counter-drones, air-defence software and armoured-vehicle systems.
- A Belgian frigate, Leopold, will visit India between Nov 5-8 and the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad will visit Belgium in October.
- On the sidelines of the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Bart De Wever, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed defence and industrial cooperation with Theo Francken, Belgium's Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade.
- The two ministers agreed to expand bilateral ties through defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building, as per the Letter of Intent signed by both sides.
- The Belgian Defence College plans to organise its World Study Trip 2027 in India.
- Francken said: "Together with India, we are focusing on concrete deeds and concrete projects. We signed eight contracts to work together on better production of defence equipment and to better protect Indian and Belgian citizens in these difficult geopolitical times."
- Fifteen Belgian companies accompanied the two leaders during the visit.
India and Belgium are deepening their military ties with the signing of eight contracts between arms companies, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation. This initiative was announced during a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.16
The contracts cover a range of defense sectors, including ammunition, rockets, autonomous maritime systems, mine warfare, electro-optics, drones, and air-defense software. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Theo Francken, Belgium's Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, discussed these agreements, emphasizing the importance of high-level visits, training, and capacity building.4
As part of the collaboration, both nations will appoint Defence Attaches in their respective embassies, with Belgium already having a representative in New Delhi. India is expected to reciprocate by posting a Defence Attache in Brussels soon. This move is part of a broader strategy to facilitate regular exchanges, staff talks, and research cooperation between the two countries.3
Francken highlighted the significance of these agreements, stating, “Together with India, we are focusing on concrete deeds and concrete projects.” He noted that the collaboration began with an economic mission to India, which has now yielded tangible results. A Belgian frigate, Leopold, is scheduled to visit India from Nov 5-8, further solidifying the partnership.5
Fifteen Belgian companies accompanied the leaders during the visit, showcasing the growing economic ties alongside military cooperation.
“The agreements span ammunition, rockets, autonomous maritime systems, mine warfare, and drones, among other areas. Belgium has already appointed a Defence Attache in New Delhi, while India will post a resident Defence Attache in Brussels in the near future.”
Deccan Herald
