Tue Mar 04 17:34:48 UTC 2025: ## Belgium Seeks Closer Defence Ties with India Amidst Shifting US-Ukraine Stance

**New Delhi, March 5, 2025** – Amidst growing uncertainty in Europe following a reported shift in the US stance on the Ukraine war, Belgium is strengthening its defence capabilities and seeking closer cooperation with India. This was announced following a high-level visit by a Belgian delegation led by Princess Astrid, which included over 300 business leaders and top government officials.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot emphasized the need for Europe to develop its own “strategic autonomy,” particularly in the defence sector. He highlighted the importance of cooperation with India in achieving this goal. This sentiment was echoed by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken, who announced that India and Belgium will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation by the end of 2025. Furthermore, Belgium will establish a Defence Attaché in India.

The visit comes just days before a crucial EU summit to discuss the future course of action regarding the Ukraine conflict. The US decision to reportedly cease aid to Ukraine has created significant turmoil in Europe. Prévot affirmed Belgium’s support for Ukraine, stating that the aggressor and victim in the conflict should not be equated. While the Ukraine situation wasn’t directly discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prévot expressed hope that India will be a strong supporter of Belgium’s defence development efforts. Belgian companies are offering to provide defence technologies as part of a “Make in India” initiative.

This collaboration is already materializing, with a joint venture between Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence and India’s Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics to manufacture tank turrets in India. This venture will initially focus on the Indian Army’s light tank program.

The defence MoUs were part of a larger package of 24 agreements covering various sectors including food processing, health, engineering, and education. The visit also addressed ongoing concerns regarding sanctions imposed by G7 countries impacting the Indian diamond industry. While a complete resolution wasn’t reached, discussions are underway to find a compromise that reduces delays currently affecting India’s diamond processing sector.

India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, is scheduled to travel to Moscow this week for consultations, paving the way for a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year. Prime Minister Modi has also been invited to attend Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9th.

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