India and Belgium Sign Defence Pacts to Boost Co-Development

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgian Defence and Trade Minister Theo Francken met in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, to expand bilateral defence and industrial cooperation. The meeting resulted in the signing of multiple contracts and Memoranda of Understanding designed to combine Belgian technology with Indian manufacturing scale, specifically including the production of Belgian rockets in India.

A central agreement was signed between the Belgian Security and Defence Industry and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers to facilitate co-development under the Make in India initiative. The partnership focuses on autonomous systems, counter-drone technology, maritime security, and mine countermeasures. Minister Francken noted that these contracts follow a major economic mission led by Princess Astrid in March 2025.

The discussions took place during an official visit by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who also held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding strategic relations and India-EU engagement. Both ministers cited the Russia-Ukraine war and China's assertiveness as primary drivers for the partnership, emphasizing that security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is interconnected.