Belgium assures India of no defence cooperation with Pakistan; Rajnath Singh raises technology transfer concerns

Belgium has assured India that it will not pursue defence cooperation or provide technological assistance to Pakistan, sources in the government said on Thursday, following bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken.

According to the sources, during the meeting in New Delhi, Mr. Singh specifically raised India’s concerns over the possibility of Belgian defence technology or expertise being extended to Pakistan. Mr. Francken assured the Indian side that Belgium stood firmly with India and that there was “no question” of defence cooperation with Pakistan.

The assurance assumes significance as India has been raising concerns with its international partners over the transfer of defence technologies and military equipment that could strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities.

During the interaction, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence and industrial cooperation. The two Ministers agreed to expand engagement through defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building.

‘Shared values’

They also discussed regional peace and security and acknowledged the need for greater maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides reiterated that the India-Belgium partnership is based on shared values, mutual trust and respect.

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who is on an official visit to India.

Earlier, Mr. Francken and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth addressed the India-Belgium Defence CEOs Roundtable and B2B Meetings in New Delhi. The event was attended by representatives of Belgian industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

Mr. Francken highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union, pointing to expanding cooperation in maritime security, information security and aerospace. He said the developing institutional dialogue had established India as a trusted partner for the European Union.

Emphasising the potential for deeper industrial collaboration, the Belgian Defence Minister called for joint efforts to strengthen the armed forces of both countries in an evolving security environment. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.

Mr. Seth urged Belgian defence manufacturers to combine their technological expertise with India’s manufacturing scale for co-development and co-production of niche defence products.

Highlighting India’s transformation in defence manufacturing, Mr. Seth said the country was moving from import dependence towards indigenous capability, trusted international partnerships and global competitiveness under initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

The discussions are expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Belgium defence cooperation, particularly in advanced technologies, specialised manufacturing and industrial partnerships.