Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described his meeting with Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken as “very productive”, highlighting continued efforts to strengthen bilateral defence and industrial cooperation between India and Belgium.

Singh’s remarks came after his engagement with the Belgian defence leadership. The meeting assumes significance as India seeks to expand defence partnerships with European countries and strengthen cooperation in areas including defence manufacturing, investment and maritime security.

India-Belgium Defence Engagement

India and Belgium have been exploring opportunities to deepen defence cooperation, including greater engagement in the maritime domain and the defence industrial sector.

Singh had earlier met Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi in March 2025 during Princess Astrid’s visit to India. At that meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, as well as ways to strengthen defence-industrial cooperation. (Press Information Bureau)

Focus on Defence Industry

India has been encouraging foreign defence companies to invest in the country and integrate Indian manufacturers into global supply chains. During the earlier India-Belgium discussions, Singh welcomed Belgian investment in India's defence sector and suggested that Belgian companies could expand their presence in India.

The approach is aligned with India's broader push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its objective of becoming a larger exporter of defence equipment.

Maritime Cooperation

Maritime security remains an important area of potential cooperation between India and Belgium. Discussions between the two countries have included the possibility of defence engagement in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime sector. (Press Information Bureau)

The importance of maritime capabilities has also increased as India seeks to strengthen its role as a security partner in the wider Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.

India’s Defence Export Push

Singh has repeatedly emphasised the need to increase India's defence exports and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The government has set a target of raising defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30.

According to the Ministry of Defence, India's defence production reached approximately ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, while defence exports rose to a record ₹38,424 crore. The government has linked the growth in production and exports with its broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. (Press Information Bureau)

Belgium Partnership Gains Importance

Belgium is an important European partner for India, with bilateral engagement extending beyond defence to trade, investment, technology and other sectors.

Recent India-EU discussions have also included defence-industrial cooperation, with India seeking greater collaboration with European partners in emerging areas such as counter-drone technologies and electronic warfare. (Press Information Bureau)

‘Very Productive’ Meeting

Singh's description of the latest meeting as “very productive” signals India's continuing interest in expanding defence ties with Belgium.

Further cooperation could provide opportunities for Indian and Belgian companies to work together in defence manufacturing, technology and supply chains, while strengthening the broader strategic relationship between the two countries.

 Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi on Thursday, September 3, during his ongoing official visit to India.

De Wever visited the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and paid his respects at the national monument dedicated to the Father of the Nation. His visit to Rajghat formed part of his engagements in New Delhi during his first official visit to India since becoming Belgium's prime minister.

De Wever on Official India Visit

The Belgian Prime Minister is visiting India from September 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is accompanied by Belgium's Defence Minister Theo Francken during the three-day visit. (DD News)

The visit is aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Belgium across areas of mutual interest. De Wever is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, with bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments expected to feature in the discussions.

Tribute at Rajghat

Rajghat is the memorial marking the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The memorial has become an important destination for visiting foreign leaders paying tribute to Gandhi during their official visits to India.

De Wever's visit carries an additional historical connection with Gandhi. During his earlier tenure as Mayor of Antwerp, De Wever was present when a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated near the Palace of Justice in Antwerp in October 2020. The statue was gifted to the city by the Government of India. 

India-Belgium Relations in Focus

The Belgian Prime Minister's visit comes as India and Belgium seek to broaden their partnership beyond traditional areas of engagement.

Defence cooperation is among the sectors receiving attention during the current visit. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has held discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, with both sides reviewing defence relations and defence industrial cooperation. Multiple memoranda of understanding and contracts related to defence industrial cooperation were also signed, according to Singh. (The Tribune)

Defence and Industrial Cooperation

India has been seeking greater collaboration with European partners in defence manufacturing, technology and industrial supply chains. Belgium, meanwhile, has a strong industrial and technological base that can provide opportunities for cooperation with Indian companies.

Rajnath Singh said the discussions with Francken covered the full spectrum of defence relations and defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. He also highlighted the potential to leverage Belgian technology with Indian skills and manufacturing scale. 

Wider Strategic Engagement

The Belgian Prime Minister's visit also provides an opportunity for India and Belgium to discuss broader regional and global developments.

India and Belgium maintain relations across trade, investment, technology, defence and cooperation within the India-European Union framework. The current high-level visit is expected to provide further momentum to these areas of engagement.

First India Visit as Prime Minister

De Wever became Belgium's Prime Minister in February 2025. His September 2026 trip is his first visit to India since assuming office, according to the official visit information reported by DD News. 

His Rajghat visit on September 3 adds a ceremonial dimension to the diplomatic programme and highlights the continuing international recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi on Thursday, September 3, 2026, as India and Belgium seek to strengthen their bilateral partnership across trade, investment, defence, technology and other areas of mutual interest.

De Wever is on a three-day official visit to India from September 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The visit is his first to India since taking office as Belgian prime minister in February 2025 and comes nearly two decades after the previous visit by a Belgian prime minister.

Modi-De Wever Talks in New Delhi

The meeting is focused on the full spectrum of India-Belgium relations, along with regional and global developments of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs had announced that the two leaders would hold bilateral discussions on September 3 during De Wever's India visit. 

The talks come as both countries look to expand cooperation beyond their established economic relationship. Trade and investment, defence and security, technology, connectivity and renewable energy are among the areas identified for greater engagement during the Belgian prime minister's visit. 

Belgian PM's First India Visit

De Wever arrived in New Delhi for the official visit accompanied by Belgian Defence and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken and a high-level delegation. His visit provides an opportunity for India and Belgium to review existing cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration. 

The visit also has significance for India-European Union relations, with Belgium playing an important role within the European Union. Economic and strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Brussels is expected to remain an important part of the discussions.

Defence Cooperation on Agenda

Defence cooperation has emerged as a significant component of the Belgian delegation's engagement in India. Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi, with both sides discussing ways to deepen defence and industrial cooperation.

The defence discussions are taking place alongside the prime ministerial meeting, highlighting the broader strategic dimension of the India-Belgium partnership.

Focus on Trade and Investment

Economic ties are another important element of De Wever's India visit. The Belgian prime minister is scheduled to engage with Indian business stakeholders during his stay, including participation in a business event in New Delhi.

The two countries have scope to expand commercial cooperation across technology, industry, investment and other emerging sectors. The visit is therefore being seen as an opportunity to give fresh momentum to economic engagement between India and Belgium.

India-Belgium Partnership

The bilateral relationship extends across several areas, including political engagement, commerce, defence, technology, education and people-to-people ties. Belgium is also an important partner for India within Europe, making high-level political exchanges significant for the wider India-EU relationship.

De Wever's visit is expected to reinforce this multifaceted partnership while providing an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss international developments and issues affecting both countries.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday embarked on a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium and Finland as India intensifies efforts to strengthen economic ties with the European Union (EU) and accelerate negotiations on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The visit, scheduled from July 13 to July 17, brings together a high-level Indian business delegation and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technology, innovation and sustainable development.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the tour is aimed at reinforcing India's long-term strategic partnership with Europe while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.

FTA Negotiations in Focus

A key objective of the visit is to advance discussions on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hope will simplify market access, strengthen supply chains and promote sustainable economic growth.

The government believes the agreement will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade by reducing barriers, improving investment flows and supporting a rules-based global trading system.

Officials also expect the ongoing negotiations to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies, manufacturing, innovation and economic security.

Spain Visit to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

During his visit to Spain, Goyal is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with senior members of the Spanish government, including Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, First Vice President and Minister of Economy, Trade and Business; Jordi Hereu Boher, Minister of Industry and Tourism; and José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.

The discussions will focus on expanding bilateral trade, attracting investments and promoting industrial collaboration between India and Spain.

Goyal will also chair the India-Spain Business Roundtable, where leading Spanish companies and industry organisations will explore investment opportunities in India and discuss avenues for strengthening commercial partnerships.

In addition, he will participate in a business interaction organised by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, CEOE and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.

Belgium to Host Trade and Technology Talks

In Belgium, the Commerce Minister will visit the Port of Antwerp and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, reflecting the importance of logistics, shipping and the gems and jewellery sector in bilateral trade.

He is also scheduled to hold CEO-level meetings with executives from Thales Group and Silox Group to discuss cooperation in defence, advanced technology, manufacturing and investment.

A major highlight of the Belgium visit will be Goyal's participation in the third ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels.

The council serves as the highest institutional platform for cooperation between India and the European Union on trade, trusted technology, digital transformation and economic security. The meeting is expected to review progress on existing initiatives while identifying new opportunities for strategic collaboration.

Finland Focuses on Innovation

The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland, where he is scheduled to meet Dr. Sakari Puisto, Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs.

The minister will also interact with representatives of leading Finnish companies during the India-Finland Business Roundtable, with discussions expected to centre on innovation, technology partnerships, industrial development and investment opportunities.

Finland is regarded as an important partner for India in sectors such as clean technologies, digital innovation, sustainable manufacturing and research collaboration.

Strengthening India's Global Economic Partnerships

The Ministry of Commerce said the three-nation visit reflects India's broader strategy of deepening engagement with Europe at a time when both sides are seeking resilient supply chains, diversified investment destinations and stronger technology partnerships.

Officials believe the visit will not only help accelerate negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement but also reinforce India's position as a trusted global partner in manufacturing, innovation, clean energy and sustainable economic development.

The outcomes of the visit are expected to contribute to stronger business partnerships, increased investments and closer strategic cooperation between India and Europe across multiple high-growth sectors.

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Merino once again emerging as the match-winner.

Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just four days after his injury-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, sending La Roja into a highly anticipated last-four showdown against France.

The Arsenal midfielder capitalised on a costly error by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort into Merino's path. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake, firing home on just his second touch after coming off the bench.

Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after a rebound, rewarding the team's early dominance.

Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose powerful header in the 41st minute ended Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. It was also goalkeeper Unai Simón's first goal conceded in a World Cup after a record 650-minute shutout streak dating back to Qatar.

Merino Delivers Again

With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Merino once again proved to be Spain's unlikely hero. Introduced in the 86th minute, he anticipated Lammens' handling error and calmly slotted home the winner two minutes later.

Speaking after the match, Merino admitted the moment felt surreal.

"Honestly, it's crazy to help the team once again. I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming," he said.

The midfielder has now scored two crucial knockout-stage goals in his debut World Cup campaign.

Courtois Injury Hurts Belgium

Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after receiving treatment on the field.

His replacement, Senne Lammens, made several important interventions but was unfortunate in the closing stages as his spill led directly to Spain's winning goal.

Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain's defence held firm to secure victory.

Semi-final Showdown Awaits

The win sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. They will now face France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the clash.

"It will be a clash of giants. We are capable of winning this game. France are a great football nation, but I trust our team."

Spain extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end.

The semi-final between two of Europe's football powerhouses is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The encounter marks the third World Cup meeting between Portugal and Spain. Their most memorable recent clash came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when Cristiano Ronaldo produced a stunning hat-trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Spain had previously defeated Portugal 1-0 in the 2010 World Cup Round of 16.

Historically, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in the rivalry. Out of 41 international meetings between the two nations, Spain have won 18 matches, Portugal have emerged victorious on seven occasions, while 16 games ended in draws.

Portugal have shown resilience throughout the tournament. They finished the group stage unbeaten, recording victories against Uzbekistan and Croatia while sharing points with Colombia and DR Congo. The Portuguese side has relied heavily on the experience of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has already scored three goals in the competition and remains a key figure in their attacking setup.

Spain, meanwhile, have impressed with both their attack and defence. The former world champions are yet to concede a goal in the tournament. They secured convincing wins over Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Austria, while playing out a goalless draw against Cabo Verde. Spain’s young stars, particularly winger Lamine Yamal, have been among the standout performers of the competition.

Portugal are expected to field a strong lineup featuring Diogo Costa in goal, with Ruben Dias, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo forming the core of the side. Spain are likely to rely on David Raya, Rodri, Pedri, Nico Williams, Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal as they aim to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Belgium Hold Edge Over USA Ahead of Seattle Showdown

In the other Round of 16 fixture, host nation United States will face Belgium at Seattle Stadium. The Americans will be hoping to use home support to their advantage as they look to reach the last eight.

Belgium have historically dominated this matchup, winning six of the seven international meetings between the two sides. The United States have managed just one victory. The teams have previously met twice at the World Cup, with the USA winning in 1930 and Belgium emerging victorious 2-1 in the 2014 Round of 16.

The United States have enjoyed a strong campaign, winning three of their four matches. Their only defeat came against Turkey during the group stage. The hosts advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and will once again look towards Christian Pulisic to provide inspiration in attack.

Belgium have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. They recorded wins against New Zealand and Senegal, while drawing against Iran and Egypt. The European side continues to rely on the experience and quality of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the knockout encounter.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both Round of 16 fixtures promise high-intensity football and could produce some of the most memorable moments of the tournament so far.

The 2018 champions top Group I as Norway coach benches star striker; Spain edge past Uruguay in heated encounter.

Ousmane Dembele produced a stunning 32-minute hat-trick as France thrashed Norway 4-1 at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Friday to top Group I and advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner struck in the seventh, 20th and 32nd minutes, stealing the spotlight in what was billed as a showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The Norwegian superstar, however, never made it onto the pitch.

Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway in the 21st minute, but France were unstoppable. Desire Doue added a fourth in added time to complete the rout.

Why Haaland Was Benched

Norway coach Stale Solbakken explained his decision to bench 10 first-team players, including Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, following their 3-2 win over Senegal.

"This is simple. We did a summary after Senegal, and five or six players were very affected after 80 minutes of play. The entire defense and some midfielders were very affected," Solbakken said.

"We also know that from the Senegal game that Norway had the shortest window to play another match today. So, it was a no-brainer on my part and also from the physio and health and medical and from some players themselves," he added.

Spain Edge Past Uruguay, Cape Verde Make History

Spain secured qualification for the round of 32 after a 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico. Alex Baena's first-half goal — capitalising on a blunder by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera — proved decisive.

The result knocked out the South American heavyweights. Cape Verde, meanwhile, secured a historic qualification after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in the other Group H match. With three points from three draws, Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina in the knockout stage.

Williams Involved in Heated Exchange

Spain winger Nico Williams was involved in a heated argument with Uruguay players Nicolas de la Cruz and Agustin Canobbio after a rough tackle in the dying stages of the match. The 23-year-old was seen engaging in a tense exchange with de la Cruz before Canobbio intervened and pushed him away. The referee had to step in to separate the players.

After the match, Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa lashed out at journalists, appearing to yell at a reporter.

Senegal Thrash 10-Man Iraq 5-0

Senegal kept their knockout hopes alive with a dominant 5-0 win over Iraq in the other Group I clash. Habib Diarra gave Senegal the lead in the fourth minute before Iraq were reduced to 10 men in the 13th after Rebin Sulaka was shown a red card.

Ismaila Sarr struck in the 56th minute before a Pape Gueye brace (59' and 71') and Iliman Ndiaye's goal completed the rout. Senegal eventually qualified for the round of 32.

Belgium Crush New Zealand 5-1

Belgium qualified with an emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand in Group G at BC Place in Vancouver. Leandro Trossard struck a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.

Drama in Iran-Egypt Draw

Iran vs Egypt finished in a 1-1 draw, with drama in added time. Shoja Khalilzadeh scored what would have been a winner for Iran, securing qualification, but the goal was ruled out. Iran now must wait to know their fate.

The European Union is set to hold talks with a Taliban delegation in Brussels over the return of failed Afghan asylum seekers, a move that has reignited debate over the bloc’s migration policies and its engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. The discussions come as several European governments seek stricter measures to address irregular migration and increase deportations of migrants who have no legal right to remain in Europe.

Belgium has approved short-term visas for five Taliban representatives to attend the meeting. While EU officials insist that the talks do not amount to formal recognition of the Taliban government, human rights organizations have criticized the decision, arguing that it undermines the European Union’s stance on human rights and accountability.

The meeting is expected to focus on practical arrangements for returning Afghan nationals whose asylum applications have been rejected. European authorities say the discussions are necessary because Afghanistan remains a major source of asylum seekers across the continent.

According to Belgian officials, the visas granted to the Taliban delegation are valid only within Belgium and do not permit travel across the wider Schengen Area. Authorities also confirmed that the visas are limited to a single day and were issued following security assessments.

Migration Policy Takes Center Stage

The talks reflect growing pressure on European governments to tighten immigration controls amid rising public concern over migration. In recent years, several EU member states have pushed for stronger deportation mechanisms, particularly for individuals who have exhausted legal avenues to remain in Europe.

European Commission officials have argued that engagement with Taliban authorities is necessary to facilitate the return of migrants. Earlier this month, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that Brussels has limited options when dealing with Afghanistan and must engage with those currently exercising authority in the country.

Data from European agencies show that EU member states received nearly one million asylum applications from Afghan nationals between 2013 and 2024. Approximately half of those applications were approved during that period.

Rights Groups Object

The planned meeting has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which say the EU risks compromising its principles by engaging with the Taliban while continuing to condemn its human rights record.

Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups have warned that returning Afghans to a country facing a severe humanitarian crisis raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue that many Afghans continue to face economic hardship, food insecurity, and restrictions on basic freedoms under Taliban rule.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict social regulations, particularly affecting women and girls. International organizations have repeatedly criticized restrictions on female education, employment opportunities, and access to public spaces.

Officials familiar with the discussions emphasize that the meeting is focused on migration management rather than diplomatic recognition. However, analysts note that direct engagement with Taliban representatives reflects the practical challenges European governments face in implementing deportation policies.

The issue has become increasingly sensitive across Europe, where migration remains a major political topic. Rising support for right-wing and anti-immigration parties in several countries has added pressure on governments to demonstrate tougher border and asylum policies.

The outcome of the Brussels talks could influence future EU policy toward Afghanistan and set a precedent for how European institutions engage with governments that lack formal international recognition. For now, the meeting highlights the difficult balance between migration management, diplomatic realities, and human rights concerns.