India and Belgium held crucial discussions on Monday, exploring avenues to strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation in the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue was part of an ongoing effort to elevate defence industrial collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting featured prominent discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgium’s Princess Astrid, who is currently leading a high-profile economic delegation to India. The Belgian Defence Minister, Theo Francken, also participated in the delegation, underscoring the significance Belgium places on deepening ties with India.
Institutionalised Defence Cooperation Mechanism
A key highlight of the discussions was an agreement to examine the possibility of establishing an institutionalised defence cooperation mechanism between India and Belgium. This step signifies a commitment to structured and sustained engagement in defence-related sectors."Both sides discussed the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain," the Indian Defence Ministry stated, emphasising the strategic importance both nations attribute to maritime security cooperation.
Boosting Defence Industrial Collaboration
Enhancing bilateral defence industrial cooperation was another major agenda. Rajnath Singh extended a welcoming hand to Belgian investment in India's growing defence sector. He suggested Belgian companies could significantly contribute by expanding their presence in India and integrating Indian vendors into their global supply chains."Belgian companies could play an important role by expanding their footprint in India and integrating the Indian vendors into their supply chains," Singh was quoted as saying in the Defence Ministry’s official release.
Economic Mission Led by Princess Astrid
Princess Astrid’s visit, accompanied by senior ministers and influential Belgian business leaders, highlights the broader objective of bolstering economic ties between the two countries. Although traditionally dominated by trade and investment, particularly in the diamond industry, defence cooperation is now emerging as a pivotal aspect of India-Belgium relations.Steady Growth in Bilateral Trade Relations
India and Belgium have witnessed a steady expansion in their bilateral relations in recent years. Belgium recognises India as its 14th largest export destination globally, and the 16th largest source of imports. Notably, outside the European Union, India stands as Belgium’s seventh-largest export market and sixth-largest trading partner.Bilateral trade reached a total of €12.22 billion in 2021, with Belgium’s imports from India amounting to €6.07 billion and exports to India standing at €6.15 billion.
The latest dialogue underscores an evolving partnership that seeks to diversify beyond traditional trade and investment, tapping into the strategic opportunities presented by the Indo-Pacific region and defence sector collaboration.
