India and Belgium Sign Defence Pacts as Rajnath Singh Pushes for Deeper Military Cooperation

India and Belgium have taken steps to expand their defence relationship, with both countries agreeing to strengthen cooperation in military technology, defence manufacturing, training and maritime security.

The development followed a meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi. The two ministers discussed opportunities to increase defence-industry collaboration and strengthen institutional ties between their armed forces.

During the talks, Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s security concerns regarding the possible transfer of sensitive defence technologies to Pakistan. The Belgian side provided assurances on the issue, with Francken stating that Belgium would not cooperate with Pakistan on sensitive defence technology during his tenure as defence minister.

The discussions were accompanied by a series of agreements between Indian and Belgian defence companies. The partnerships cover several specialised areas, including 70-mm rocket systems, naval mine-countermeasure equipment, ammunition, electro-optical technologies, autonomous maritime systems and counter-drone capabilities.

A significant agreement involves Kalyani Strategic Systems and Thales Belgium, which will cooperate on the production of 70-mm rockets in India. The partnership is expected to cover both unguided and laser-guided rocket variants and support greater domestic manufacturing of advanced military equipment.

India and Belgium are also working together on technologies designed to improve naval mine detection and neutralisation. Such capabilities are important for protecting naval vessels and maintaining safe access to strategically important sea lanes.

Another area of cooperation involves systems for India’s Zorawar light tank, which is being developed for operations in challenging high-altitude environments. Belgian defence expertise is expected to contribute to the tank’s weapons and turret capabilities.

The expanding partnership also includes closer military-to-military engagement through training, exchanges and institutional dialogue. Belgium is expected to strengthen its defence representation in India, while India will enhance its defence presence in Brussels.

The latest agreements indicate that India-Belgium defence relations are increasingly moving toward technology cooperation, local production and industrial partnerships. For India, the collaboration could support its Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing goals while giving Belgian companies greater access to India’s expanding defence market.