India and Belgium have called for stronger defence cooperation, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken discussing ways to expand defence industrial and security ties. The meeting took place in New Delhi amid a challenging global geopolitical and economic environment.
Francken is visiting India as part of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s official visit from September 2 to 4. The visit is the first by a Belgian Prime Minister to India in more than two decades.
During the India-Belgium Defence Ministers’ Meeting, Rajnath Singh said there was considerable potential to expand bilateral defence cooperation, particularly by strengthening engagement between Indian and Belgian defence companies.
Singh highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, describing it as being built on mutual respect, democratic values and a shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
He also pointed to the recently held India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue as an important framework for advancing cooperation in defence and security.
A major focus of the discussions was greater cooperation between the two countries’ defence industries.
Singh said India welcomed increased collaboration between Belgian and Indian defence companies. He added that existing cooperation, including multiple MoUs and contracts, could help combine Belgian technology with India’s skills, manufacturing capabilities and scale.
The Defence Minister said the talks could provide strategic direction to future defence engagements between the two countries.
Theo Francken also expressed strong support for deeper India-Belgium cooperation, particularly in technology and future projects.
He praised India’s technological capabilities and said Belgium could benefit from working more closely with Indian companies and institutions.
Francken also referred to the progress made since Belgium’s major economic mission to India, led by Princess Astrid in March 2025. He noted that contracts for collaborative projects had been signed within 18 months of that visit.
Both ministers acknowledged the difficult geopolitical environment, including ongoing international conflicts and economic uncertainty.
Singh said that discussions between partners such as India and Belgium offered an opportunity to exchange perspectives and explore ways to address emerging challenges.
Francken similarly stressed the importance of realism, cooperation and partnership in dealing with global geopolitical developments.
