Belgian Defence and Trade Minister Theo Francken on Thursday, 3 September declared that Belgium has a direct security interest in India's expanding military-industrial base, calling India a 'stabilising factor' in South Asia and the Indian Ocean — and a 'useful counterweight' to China's growing dominance in Asia. Francken made the remarks during a two-day official visit to New Delhi, accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

What Francken Said

In a post on X during the visit, Francken outlined Belgium's strategic calculus in plain terms. 'India is a stabilising factor in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean, a vital artery for our economy. A stronger India can provide a useful counterweight to China's dominance in Asia and thus ensure a more stable balance of power,' he wrote. He also noted that India could play a constructive role in efforts to find peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Francken added that Indian defence companies operate 'on a scale that is unthinkable in Europe,' opening significant economic prospects for Belgian firms. 'We are here to turn those into concrete cooperation,' he said.

Singh-Francken Meeting and MoUs Signed

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Francken in New Delhi, during which the two sides reviewed existing defence ties and industrial cooperation frameworks. Singh confirmed that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and contracts under the defence industrial cooperation agenda were signed at the meeting, though specific details were not immediately disclosed.

Belgian Companies and India's Defence Priorities

Francken highlighted several ongoing and prospective Belgian contributions to India's defence modernisation. Belgian firm John Cockerill is positioned to supply tank turrets for India's new high-altitude light tank, the 'Zorawar', designed to operate above 5,000 metres — a capability developed in the context of border tensions with China in the Himalayas, including the deadly confrontations of 2020.

Another Belgian company, OIP, is already supplying sights for India's Arjun main battle tank. Thales Belgium is producing 70mm rockets in India, while FN Herstal has secured an agreement to manufacture rifles in India in partnership with a local company. Francken noted that Singh 'expressed his high expectations' for this cooperation.

On maritime security, Francken pointed to India's heavy dependence on sea routes for foreign trade and its resulting vulnerability to maritime blockades. The Indian Navy, he said, is investing heavily in mine countermeasures — an area where Exail Robotics, based in Ostend, is a global leader in underwater drones. Belgium also hosts the NATO Centre of Excellence for Mine Countermeasures in Ostend, making deeper cooperation, in Francken's words, 'a natural fit.'

Institutional Steps to Deepen Ties

To sustain the momentum, Belgium has appointed a permanent defence attaché in New Delhi, who will also be accredited for Singapore. The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation in the area of training. Additionally, the Belgian frigate Leopold 1 is scheduled to call at the port of Mumbai, signalling a tangible naval dimension to the bilateral relationship.

The visit marks one of the most substantive Belgium-India defence engagements in recent years, and both sides appear intent on converting strategic alignment into industrial and operational outcomes.