India, Belgium Boost Defence Ties with Landmark Co-Production Deals

India and Belgium just supercharged their defence cooperation with a wave of new agreements, including landmark plans to co-produce 70mm rockets and naval mine-countermeasure systems right here in India. These strategic deals, signed during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever's recent visit, mark a significant pivot towards leveraging advanced Belgian technology with India's massive manufacturing capabilities. This deep dive into defence-industrial ties is a big win for India's 'Make in India' initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports and boost local production, especially for critical military hardware. For Belgium, it means new market access and strengthening European supply chains, building on the broader India-EU Security and Defence Partnership established earlier in 2026. Key collaborations include Thales Belgium and Kalyani Strategic Systems for rocket assembly, Exail Belgium with Larsen & Toubro for crucial mine detection systems, alongside other agreements for ammunition, turrets for the indigenous Zorawar light tank, and counter-drone technologies. Looking ahead, expect further military exchanges, training programs, and joint exercises, with India set to post a resident defence attaché in Brussels and a Belgian frigate visit planned for November. These moves signal a robust, long-term commitment from both nations to not just trade defence equipment, but to co-develop and co-produce, strengthening their strategic autonomy and security architecture in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.