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

Belgium has assured India that it’s going to not pursue defence cooperation or present technological help to Pakistan, sources within the authorities stated on Thursday, following bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken.

In keeping with the sources, through the assembly in New Delhi, Mr. Singh particularly raised India’s considerations over the opportunity of Belgian defence know-how or experience being prolonged to Pakistan. Mr. Francken assured the Indian facet that Belgium stood firmly with India and that there was “no query” of defence cooperation with Pakistan.

The reassurance assumes significance as India has been elevating considerations with its worldwide companions over the switch of defence applied sciences and army gear that would strengthen Pakistan’s army capabilities.

Throughout the interplay, the 2 sides reviewed your complete spectrum of bilateral defence and industrial cooperation. The 2 Ministers agreed to develop engagement via defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, coaching and capability constructing.

‘Shared values’

Additionally they mentioned regional peace and safety and acknowledged the necessity for higher maritime safety collaboration within the Indo-Pacific. Either side reiterated that the India-Belgium partnership is predicated on shared values, mutual belief and respect.

The bilateral assembly was held on the sidelines of talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who’s on an official go to to India.

Earlier, Mr. Francken and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth addressed the India-Belgium Defence CEOs Roundtable and B2B Conferences in New Delhi. The occasion was attended by representatives of Belgian trade, the Confederation of Indian Business and the Society of Indian Defence Producers.

Mr. Francken highlighted the rising strategic partnership between India and the European Union, pointing to increasing cooperation in maritime safety, data safety and aerospace. He stated the growing institutional dialogue had established India as a trusted associate for the European Union.

Emphasising the potential for deeper industrial collaboration, the Belgian Defence Minister referred to as for joint efforts to strengthen the armed forces of each nations in an evolving safety setting. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he stated.

Mr. Seth urged Belgian defence producers to mix their technological experience with India’s manufacturing scale for co-development and co-production of area of interest defence merchandise.

Highlighting India’s transformation in defence manufacturing, Mr. Seth stated the nation was transferring from import dependence in the direction of indigenous functionality, trusted worldwide partnerships and international competitiveness underneath initiatives corresponding to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

The discussions are anticipated to offer contemporary momentum to India-Belgium defence cooperation, notably in superior applied sciences, specialised manufacturing and industrial partnerships.