India and Belgium Strengthen Defence Partnership with Focus on Technology and Joint Manufacturing

India and Belgium have elevated their defence relationship with the signing of multiple agreements aimed at expanding military cooperation, defence manufacturing and advanced technology partnerships. The development comes during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s official visit to India, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held extensive bilateral talks with Belgium’s Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken.

The discussions reflected the growing strategic importance of India–Belgium relations, with both nations agreeing that future cooperation should extend beyond traditional defence procurement and focus on long-term industrial collaboration, innovation and maritime security.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Belgian Defence and Trade Minister Theo Francken during their delegation-level bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 3, 2026. (ANI) | Firstpost

Defence Cooperation Moves Beyond Procurement

The meeting between the two defence ministers resulted in several memorandums of understanding and defence contracts designed to bring together Belgian technological expertise and India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing capabilities. Rajnath Singh described the partnership as one built on mutual trust and shared democratic values, while both sides committed to establishing a more structured framework for defence cooperation.

A Letter of Intent signed during the visit will facilitate regular defence dialogue, high-level military exchanges, officer training, research collaboration and capacity-building initiatives. Rather than remaining a buyer-seller relationship, the two countries aim to jointly develop technologies and strengthen defence industries through sustained institutional engagement.

Joint Manufacturing Becomes the Centrepiece

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit is the emphasis on co-development and local manufacturing. Belgian defence companies are increasingly viewing India as a strategic production hub, while Indian companies gain access to specialised European technologies in areas such as ammunition systems, rockets, sensors, autonomous maritime platforms and counter-drone capabilities.

This approach aligns with India’s broader objective of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing through international partnerships. By combining advanced technology with India’s engineering expertise and industrial scale, both countries hope to create sustainable production ecosystems that benefit their respective defence sectors.

Advancing Rocket and Defence Technology

A notable industrial agreement announced alongside the visit involves Bharat Forge’s defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems, and Thales. The collaboration will establish an industrial capability in India for manufacturing advanced 70-mm rocket systems, with Belgian technological expertise playing a central role.

These rocket systems can be deployed from air, land and naval platforms and are already in service with the Indian Army. The first fully assembled rockets manufactured in India are expected to be produced in early 2027, marking another step towards expanding domestic defence production through global collaboration.

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific

Maritime security emerged as another major pillar of the growing partnership. India and Belgium acknowledged that the Indo-Pacific has become increasingly important for global trade, connectivity and regional stability, creating opportunities for closer naval cooperation.

Future collaboration is expected to focus on mine countermeasure systems, autonomous maritime technologies, underwater robotics, advanced surveillance sensors and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, including ports and subsea communication networks. Belgium’s expertise in specialised maritime technologies complements India’s expanding naval modernisation efforts.

A Wider Strategic and Economic Partnership

The defence agreements are part of a broader expansion of India–Belgium relations across trade, semiconductors, critical minerals, renewable energy and scientific research. During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Bart De Wever reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors while also setting an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years.

Belgium’s growing interest in India is also reflected in the participation of numerous Belgian companies accompanying the official delegation, highlighting the increasing economic and technological opportunities between the two countries.

The MGMM Outlook 

India’s expanding defence partnerships increasingly reflect a shift from conventional arms procurement to collaborative innovation and industrial development. The agreements signed with Belgium demonstrate a shared commitment to joint manufacturing, technology transfer and long-term defence cooperation, supporting India’s vision of strengthening indigenous capabilities while building resilient partnerships with trusted global allies.

The growing collaboration also highlights the strategic importance of India’s role in Europe’s defence and technology landscape. From advanced rocket systems and maritime security to research, training and industrial investment, the partnership has the potential to deepen both economic and strategic ties, reinforcing India’s emergence as a key hub for defence manufacturing and technological advancement.

(Sources: Business Standard, Firstpost, ANI News)