Rajnath Singh Engages in Defence Dialogue with Princess Astrid of Belgium
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in talks with Princess Astrid of Belgium on March 3 to explore defence collaborations in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions included enhancing industrial cooperation and attracting Belgian investments in India's defence sector.
Key Takeaways
- Potential defence collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
- Enhancement of defence industrial cooperation.
- Welcoming Belgian investments in India.
- Exploration of an institutional defence cooperation mechanism.
- Focus on sectors like pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.
New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions regarding potential defence collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region with Princess Astrid of Belgium and Defence Minister Theo Francken on Monday.
According to a statement, both parties explored strategies to elevate defence industrial collaboration between their nations.
Rajnath Singh welcomed investments in the defence sector, proposing that Belgian firms could significantly contribute by expanding their operations in India and integrating local vendors into their supply chains.
The two nations also agreed to investigate the establishment of a more structured defence cooperation framework, as noted in the statement.
Princess Astrid is at the helm of a delegation visiting India from March 1-8 aimed at enhancing trade and diplomatic relations.
This delegation comprises representatives from 36 companies based in Brussels, totaling 61 participants, with 30% being women. On March 5, the India-Belgium Tech Forum will concentrate on fortifying technological partnerships.
The visit prioritizes sectors such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, aerospace, and renewable energy, according to an official statement.
Currently, India ranks 18th among Belgium’s export markets, with approximately 200 Belgian firms operating within the country.
In addition to defence, the construction sector is another key focus of this economic mission. The agenda includes a seminar aimed at analyzing future market trends, business opportunities, current practices, and challenges. Belgian and Indian companies will share best practices and discuss existing technologies and innovations.
The delegation's activities began on Sunday with a meeting with the EU Ambassador to India, followed by a visit to a factory—marking the first production facility of the Belgian company Agristo outside Europe—celebrating the official commencement of a new Belgian fry production line.
