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.
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