“India–Belgium Defence Cooperation”

• Recent Development: India and Belgium agreed to deepen defence cooperation during Belgian PM Bart De Wever’s visit to India (September 2026).
• Defence Cooperation Dialogue: Both sides agreed to expand cooperation through regular defence dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building.
• Defence-Industrial Cooperation: India and Belgium are promoting co-development and co-production, combining Belgian technological expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities and scale.
• Military Exchanges: The countries agreed to enhance military exchanges and training cooperation.
• Intelligence Sharing: Cooperation in intelligence sharing and combating crime is also being strengthened.
• Indo-Pacific: Both countries recognised the importance of maritime-security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
• Emerging Technologies: Defence engagement includes cooperation in emerging technologies, research and innovation.
• LEOPOLD I: The Belgian frigate LEOPOLD I is scheduled to visit India from 5–8 November 2026, providing an opportunity for naval cooperation.
• Strategic Dialogue: The first Belgium–India Strategic Dialogue was held in July 2026, covering defence, security, technology, trade, connectivity and regional/global issues.
• 70-mm Rocket Systems: India’s Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) and Thales have agreed to develop/manufacture 70-mm rocket systems in India, supporting indigenous defence production.
• Make in India: The cooperation aligns with India’s objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation through technology transfer, co-development and co-production.

UPSC Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to India–Belgium defence cooperation, consider the following statements:

1. India and Belgium have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation through training and capacity building.
2. Both countries have identified maritime security in the Indo-Pacific as an area of cooperation.
3. India–Belgium defence cooperation is limited only to purchase of military equipment.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: India and Belgium are expanding cooperation through defence dialogue, training, capacity building, military exchanges, maritime security and defence-industrial co-development/co-production. It is therefore not limited merely to equipment purchases.