Strengthening Ties: India and Belgium Forge Strategic Defence Agreements to Boost Indo-Pacific Security

India and Belgium are building a stronger defence partnership and enhancing their economic ties. From March 2 to March 8, this collaboration took center stage during the Belgian Economic Mission to India, led by Princess Astrid and Defence Minister Theo Francken. Significant agreements focused on defence technology and military collaboration were signed.

A key part of this partnership is Belgium’s involvement in India’s Zorawar Light Tank program. John Cockerill Defence, a top Belgian turret manufacturer, has teamed up with an Indian firm to create essential turret components for the Indian Army’s Indigenous Light Tank.

During a press conference in New Delhi on March 4, Minister Francken announced the first Defence Attaché position at the Belgian Embassy in India. This move shows Belgium’s commitment to strengthen military ties with India.

Minister Francken highlighted the strategic importance of India, especially given the rising influence of China. He stated, “It is essential for Belgium to deepen its engagement with India. We view India as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Belgium’s Contribution to Project Zorawar

A significant element of the defence collaboration is Belgium’s support for the Zorawar Light Tank, designed for challenging high-altitude operations in the Himalayas. The 105mm gun turret supplied by John Cockerill is a key part of this tank. Minister Francken remarked, “This turret is crucial for the Zorawar tank and symbolizes our growing defence partnership with India.”

The Zorawar tank, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is vital for India’s efforts to enhance military capabilities, especially in border security and high-altitude warfare.

Beyond the Zorawar project, the Belgian trade mission explored wider defence cooperation, with Indian officials expressing interest in Belgium’s expertise in aerospace and manufacturing. A joint venture was also announced between John Cockerill and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, which focuses on turret manufacturing for India’s ILT program.

Thierry Renaudin, CEO of John Cockerill, emphasized their commitment to making India a global hub for defence manufacturing, saying, “Our joint venture reflects our dedication to India’s modernization and self-reliance goals.” This partnership will involve sharing advanced Belgian technology to bolster India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Several important agreements were signed between Indian and Belgian defence firms, marking a step forward in military technology cooperation. For example, Thales Belgium secured a contract to supply 70mm rocket systems for Indian Army helicopters.

In a meeting on March 3, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed Belgian investments in India’s defence sector and encouraged Belgian firms to collaborate with Indian manufacturers. He also stressed the importance of establishing a solid defence cooperation framework.

Minister Francken shared that plans are underway to formalize bilateral defence cooperation, with an official framework expected soon. He noted, “Defence Minister Singh has been invited to Belgium, and we have a Letter of Intent, which is a step toward a formal agreement for the defence industry.”

This growing defence partnership between India and Belgium demonstrates their commitment to enhance security and strategic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Combining Belgium’s technological strengths with India’s robust defence manufacturing capabilities lays a strong foundation for the future.