India-Belgium defence cooperation

Notes

• India and Belgium signed three government-level defence agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation.
• Approximately 10 private defence agreements are expected, including the production of Belgian military items like rockets in India.
• A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was signed, alongside an MoU between the Belgian Security and Defence Industry and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.
• An MoU was signed between the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Belgium Federal Police to combat transnational organized crime and cybercrime.
• India will appoint a Defence Attache at the Indian Embassy in Brussels.
• Belgium provided an assurance to India that it will not pursue defence cooperation or provide technological assistance to Pakistan.
• The two nations agreed to establish a fast trade mechanism and aim to double bilateral trade within the next five years.
• A Consular Dialogue between New Delhi and Brussels has been established.
• Both nations emphasized the need for maritime security and safety of shipping routes in the context of global conflicts.
• The partnership is focused on joint efforts for training, capacity building, and industrial collaboration in the defence sector.