Belgium assures India of no defence cooperation with Pakistan; Rajnath Singh raises technology transfer concerns - thehindu.com

**Belgium Reassures India on Defence Ties With Pakistan**

In a bilateral meeting in Brussels, Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder told Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that Belgium has no ongoing or planned defence cooperation with Pakistan. The assurance came after New Delhi raised concerns that certain technology transfers to Belgium could indirectly benefit Pakistani military capabilities, given Belgium’s participation in joint European defence projects that sometimes involve third‑party nations. Singh emphasized that while India welcomes deeper strategic ties with European partners, any technology sharing must be tightly controlled to prevent unintended proliferation.

The conversation formed part of a broader dialogue aimed at expanding Indo‑Belgian trade, investment and economic collaboration. Both sides reiterated commitments made earlier this year to deepen cooperation in sectors ranging from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing. In parallel, the two governments have signed pacts to develop defence production capabilities in mine warfare, ammunition and rocket systems, signalling a growing convergence of interests in the defence industrial base while still navigating sensitive geopolitical considerations.

Analysts note that the reassurance from Belgium comes at a time when India is actively diversifying its defence procurement portfolio, seeking alternatives to traditional suppliers amid heightened tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and evolving security dynamics in the Indo‑Pacific. The Indian government’s caution on technology transfer reflects a broader strategy to safeguard critical know‑how, even as it pursues joint ventures that could boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on external sources.