Belgium set to firm up military pact with India; plans to appoint defence attache in New Delhi

Belgium is set to appoint a defence attaché at its embassy in New Delhi as a single point of contact for the Indian military and defence industry as the country looks to firm up a broad-based defence pact with India.

The announcement was made shortly after Belgium's Princess Astrid, accompanied by Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Defence Minister Theo Francken, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Astrid is leading an economic mission to India that comprises top ministers and business leaders.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: "Deeply appreciate her initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India. Look forward to unlocking limitless opportunities for our people through new partnerships in trade, technology, defence, agriculture, life sciences, innovation, skilling and academic exchanges."

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Defence Minister Francken said there are immense opportunities to expand India-Belgium defence cooperation and both sides are looking at instituting a framework to facilitate deeper ties. "Your prime minister asked us to make the task force here in New Delhi and in Brussels and to conclude the agreement before the end of the year."

"I think that is (going to be) a very big step because we don't have a structural cooperation," Francken said, adding that such a framework agreement would also encourage defence industrial collaboration.

"Both countries need to build up their defence capabilities and learn from each other to make good military equipment and to stand strong," the defence minister said.

He said Belgian defence firm John Cockerill Defence is participating in the Indian Army's tender to procure around 300 light tanks.