Context:
A high profile economic delegation from Belgium comprised Princess Astrid and Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, visiting New Delhi to amplify Belgium India ties. Discussion points were strategic autonomy in defense, economic cooperation, and the resultant geopolitical shifts caused by the U.S. policy change on Ukraine.
Major Points from the visit
Belgium’s Call for Strategic Autonomous Defense
- European concerns over shifted U.S. policy on Ukraine gave rise to a demand for an independent defense strategy for Europe.
- Belgium plans to build its defense sector by virtue of Indian collaboration.
- India and Belgium are to sign an MoU on defense cooperation between them by the end of 2025.
Top Level India Belgium Meetings
- Princess Astrid met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed matters boosting bilateral cooperation.
- Deputy PM Prévot & Defense Minister Theo Francken illustrated the support of Belgium for Ukraine and furthered the India Belgium defense ties.
- Belgium will post a Defense Attaché in India for further working together in defense.
Indian Diplomacy on Russia Ukraine Issue
- MoFA consultations for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Moscow.
- Preparations for the Modi Putin bilateral talks are made as Putin may visit India in 2025.
- Modi was also invited to the Victory Day celebrations of Russia on May 9.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
- Belgium’s business delegation of 300 members has come to expand economic cooperation.
- 24 MoUs signed across core sectors, which include:
- Defense technology – Belgium will assist “Make in India” initiative by India.
- Food processing, health, engineering, and education.
- Belgium intends narrower economic ties with India as Europe will become used to a shift in global geopolitics.
India Belgium Joint Venture in Defense
Belgium has partnered with Pune based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (EPH) Pvt. Ltd. to create a Joint Venture (JV) in India. The JV is targeted primarily at India’s light tank program particularly the Zorawar light tank, developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
This JV promotes the employment of major stats in India Belgium defense, coinciding with their most recent global defense cooperation memorandum of understanding which is to be signed by the end of 2025.
Key Features of the Joint Venture
Targeting Zorawar Light Tank for Indian Army
- The Zorawar light tank was developed as a counter against China’s military threats in eastern Ladakh.
- Zorawar’s undergoing advanced trials, where the turrets from JCD & EPH will be used.
- Projected demand: may ultimately come to 700 light tanks for India.
Beyond the Light Tank: Larger Defense Programs
- Such cooperation will go beyond Zorawar, extending to India’s many defense programs.
- JCD is counting on India’s skills in AI and electronics to produce the next generation turret systems.
- Some collaboration opportunities include
- Technologies related to advanced combat vehicles.
- Turret modernization for armored forces.
- AI driven battlefield systems.
Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics
- 25 years experience in the defense sector, especially simulators and missile launchers.
- Generate revenues of ₹300 crores, having its manufacturing facility at Chakan based in Pune.
- About 35-40% of total revenue comes from the defense sector.
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
- It directly strengthens the Make in India initiative and PATs simply foreign dependence.
- Most certainly strengthens the Indo-Belgian defense ties in light of the fact that it precedes the signing of the MoU on defense cooperation (2025).
- Also makes India’s military preparedness stronger against that backdrop of border tensions.
- It certainly positions India as a global defense manufacturing hub with AI and electronics innovations in the arsenal.
Growing Belgium India relations will mainly focus on defense, trade, and strategic autonomy. Belgium needs a more independent defense in Europe while there’s still a fair degree of uncertainty regarding American commitments towards Ukraine. India continues to engage diplomatically with both Russia and Europe for a balanced foreign policy. Defense cooperation and economic investments show the deepening India Belgium partnership.
