Both countries agreed to explore an “institutionalised defence cooperation mechanism” to enhance collaboration across various defence domains, the MoD statement added
India and Belgium on Monday explored opportunities for defence collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on the maritime domain, as part of their efforts to bolster strategic ties. The discussions took place during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Princess Astrid of Belgium, and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi.
The meeting followed a recent pledge by India and the European Union (EU) to explore a security and defence partnership to address common threats. Belgium, as a member of the EU, is seen as a key partner in this initiative.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Singh welcomed Belgian investments in India’s defence sector and encouraged Belgian companies to expand their operations in the country. He also suggested that Belgian companies integrate Indian vendors into their supply chains to foster greater industrial cooperation.
Both countries agreed to explore an “institutionalised defence cooperation mechanism” to enhance collaboration across various defence domains, the MoD statement added.
The meeting builds on recent engagements between India and the EU. On Friday, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth met with Andrius Kubilius, the European Commission’s commissioner for defence and space, in New Delhi. The discussions focused on maritime cooperation, information-sharing, and the participation of European defence companies in joint projects and co-production opportunities in India.
Kubilius visited India as part of a delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a joint statement, saying, “The EU side welcomed India’s interest in joining the projects under the EU’s Pesco, as well as to engage in negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA). The leaders also committed to exploring a security and defence partnership.”
Pesco, or Permanent Structured Cooperation, is a treaty-based framework that allows 26 of the 27 EU member states to collaborate on defence capability development and enhance the operational readiness of their armed forces.
Kubilius, speaking to a financial daily, highlighted India’s robust defence industry and its potential role in the EU’s defence supply chains. He emphasised that the proposed India-EU free trade agreement, once finalised, would strengthen defence cooperation. He also noted that the security and defence pact being explored between India and the EU would be similar to those the EU has signed with Japan and South Korea.
The discussions reflect growing convergence between India and the EU on security and defence matters, particularly in light of rising geopolitical uncertainties and the need to enhance defence capabilities amid ongoing global conflicts.
