India and Belgium are strengthening their strategic partnership, with defence cooperation emerging as a major area of engagement between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever discussed expanding collaboration in defence, advanced technology, trade, clean energy and critical minerals during their recent meeting in New Delhi.
A key highlight of the growing defence relationship is cooperation linked to India’s Zorawar light tank programme. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro, the Zorawar is designed for operations in difficult and high-altitude terrain, particularly along India’s northern borders.
Belgian defence company John Cockerill Defense has contributed to the programme through its 3105 turret technology, which has been integrated with Zorawar prototypes. The cooperation demonstrates how India is increasingly working with international defence companies to bring specialised technologies into indigenous military platforms while strengthening domestic production capabilities.
India and Belgium are also expanding cooperation in other defence areas, including naval mine-countermeasure systems, ammunition, rockets, electro-optical technologies and counter-drone capabilities. The broader engagement reflects India’s focus on developing a stronger domestic defence-industrial ecosystem through partnerships involving technology transfer, joint development and manufacturing.
Prime Minister Modi said defence and security have become important pillars of India-Belgium relations. The two countries also discussed greater military exchanges, training cooperation and stronger coordination between security agencies.
Beyond defence, India and Belgium are looking to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals and semiconductor technology. Belgium’s advanced research ecosystem, including its semiconductor expertise, could provide opportunities for collaboration with India’s rapidly developing technology sector.
The expanding partnership marks an evolution in India-Belgium relations, traditionally known for strong economic links with Antwerp’s diamond industry. Defence technology and strategic manufacturing are now becoming increasingly important components of the relationship.
For India, such partnerships can support military modernisation while strengthening domestic defence manufacturing. The Zorawar programme, in particular, highlights how international technology cooperation can complement India’s broader push for defence self-reliance.