Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken held high-level talks in New Delhi, signing multiple defence agreements and industrial cooperation pacts.

The meeting underscored Belgium’s assurance of no defence technology transfers to Pakistan, while highlighting joint manufacturing opportunities in India, including rocket production and advanced systems.

Rajnath Singh welcomed Francken and reviewed the entire spectrum of defence relations between India and Belgium. He emphasised that the two countries share longstanding ties based on democratic values, mutual respect, and a commitment to a rules-based global order. He noted that the recently held India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue had already provided a framework for advancing cooperation in defence and security.

Francken, who accompanied Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on his official visit to India from 2 to 4 September, stressed the geostrategic importance of India for Europe. He said India is a rapidly growing economy and a major military power in the Indo-Pacific, strategically located along vital trade routes.

He underlined that Europe’s security is increasingly interconnected with developments in Asia, especially given Russia’s war in Ukraine, its cooperation with Iran and North Korea, and China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

During the meeting, Singh made it clear that Belgium should not share sensitive defence technology with Pakistan. Francken assured India that as long as he remains Defence Minister, there would be no cooperation with Pakistan. This assurance was seen as a strong reaffirmation of Belgium’s commitment to India’s security sensitivities.

The talks resulted in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding and contracts under defence industrial cooperation. Agreements included collaboration between the Belgian Security and Defence Industry (BSDI) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), facilitating co-development under India’s Make in India program. Notably, Belgian military technology such as rockets will now be produced in India, leveraging Belgian expertise with Indian scale and skill.

Both sides also discussed cooperation in areas such as maritime security, radar systems, counter-drone technology, autonomous maritime systems, and electro-optical sensors. Fifteen Belgian defence companies, many represented by their CEOs, were part of the visiting delegation, signalling strong industrial intent. The Belgian Defence College also announced plans to hold its World Study Trip in India in 2027, further strengthening institutional ties.

Francken praised India’s technological prowess, saying Belgium could learn much from India’s high-tech capabilities. He recalled Belgium’s largest-ever economic mission to India in March 2025, led by Princess Astrid, which laid the foundation for this new phase of cooperation. Within 18 months, contracts had already been signed on collaboration projects, showing rapid progress in bilateral ties.

Singh expressed optimism that the discussions would provide strategic direction to future defence engagements. He highlighted the importance of industrial partnerships between Indian and Belgian defence companies, noting that such collaboration would enhance innovation and joint production.

The meeting was conducted alongside Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders are expected to discuss the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade, defence, investment, clean energy, and broader India-EU cooperation.

India and Belgium’s defence partnership is now seen as a stabilising force amid global turmoil, with both nations determined to translate political goodwill into practical collaboration. The agreements signed in New Delhi mark a significant step forward in strengthening defence and industrial ties between the two countries.

Agencies