'Shared history': India, Belgium and the forgotten World War 1 soldiers of Flanders Fields | World News - Hindustan Times

**Shared History and New Partnerships: India‑Belgium Ties Deepen Amid Remembrance of WWI Soldiers**

*Bruges, Belgium* – A solemn ceremony at the historic Ypres‑Lys battlefield on 27 May marked the centenary of the Indian contingent’s sacrifice in the First World War. Representatives from India and Belgium, led by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and a senior Indian delegation, laid wreaths at the “India Gate” memorial in the heart of Flanders Fields. The tribute highlighted that over 150,000 Indian soldiers fought under the British Indian Army, many never returning home, and that their contribution has long been eclipsed in European narratives. Organisers stressed the “shared history” that now serves as a foundation for renewed diplomatic and economic engagement.

During the same visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and De Croo exchanged remarks on contemporary challenges facing global trade. De Croo warned that protectionist moves—particularly the United‑States‑imposed tariffs on European goods—pose a “real threat” to Europe’s export‑driven economies. He added a subtle rebuke to China’s “unfair trade practices,” urging a coordinated response that includes emerging markets such as India. In line with that vision, the Belgian leader promoted the Port of Antwerp‑Bruges as a strategic gateway for Indian manufacturers seeking entry into the European market, promising streamlined customs procedures and joint logistics platforms.

The diplomatic overture was cemented by a suite of defence agreements signed on the sidelines of the ceremony. Indian firms will supply the Indian Army with advanced rocket systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, while Belgian defence contractor FN Herstal will provide turret technology for India’s next‑generation main battle tanks. Both sides hailed the deals as a “win‑win” that deepens industrial cooperation and enhances regional security. Analysts view the contracts as a signal that the Indo‑European partnership is expanding beyond trade into strategic sectors, reinforcing a multi‑layered relationship rooted in historical bonds and forward‑looking interests.

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