Belgium has made a commitment to India, assuring that it will not engage in defense equipment or technology cooperation with Pakistan. This assurance comes as New Delhi and Brussels signed several military agreements on Thursday. These agreements focus on various areas, including the production of ammunition, rocket systems, mine-countermeasure systems, counter-drone technologies, and tank turrets, all within India.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Belgium had sold seven C-130H transport aircraft to Pakistan in 2021. A previous attempt to sell 30 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan in 2003 did not succeed, as it required consent from the United States. Recently, India has sought similar assurances from multiple European nations regarding defense cooperation with Pakistan. SIPRI data also highlighted that the Netherlands is one of the largest suppliers of arms to Pakistan, following China and Turkey, with historical contributions from the US, Italy, the UK, and France.
The military agreements were finalized during discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Additionally, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held separate discussions with Belgium’s Defence and Foreign Trade Minister, Theo Francken. A delegation of Belgian industry leaders accompanied De Wever during this visit.
Following the meeting, Modi emphasized that defense and security collaboration is now a vital component of India-Belgium relations. The two countries established a broad framework of defense cooperation through ten agreements, which include a Letter of Intent for military exchanges, officer training, joint exercises, and maritime security.
A significant collaboration announced is between Thales Belgium and Kalyani Strategic Systems, focusing on the production of 70-mm rockets in India, with the first locally manufactured rocket expected by early 2027. Another notable project involves New Lachaussee and Tembo Classic Engineering, which will provide a complete production line for two types of ammunition, aiming for an output of around 100 million rounds annually, valued at €50 million, with deliveries planned for 2028 and 2029.
For maritime security, Belgium will supply autonomous systems for mine-countermeasure vessels being constructed by Larsen & Toubro, starting with 12 ships in the initial phase. Belgian companies are also investigating technologies such as autonomous maritime systems, underwater robotics, advanced sensors, and strategies to protect infrastructure like ports and pipelines.
Furthermore, the agreements include a joint production center between FN Herstal and Kalyani Strategic Systems focusing on weapons and counter-drone systems. Pitagone Belgium is working with Krishna Allied to create mobile barriers for vehicle attack protection.
Belgian company OIP Sensor Systems is collaborating with India Optel on electro-optical systems for the Arjun main battle tank, while John Cockerill Defence is a potential supplier for the turret of India’s Zorawar light tank, which is being developed for high-altitude operations.
