India warned us: Belgian PM on Europe's rude awakening amid Chinese dumping - India Today

**Belgian Prime Minister Flags Chinese Dumping, Cites India’s Earlier Warning**

At a recent European trade summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo warned that Europe is facing a “rude awakening” as Chinese manufacturers flood the market with heavily subsidised goods, undermining local industries. He invoked a statement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, in which New Delhi highlighted the risks of Chinese overcapacity in sectors ranging from steel to electronics. De Croo said the situation “mirrors the warning India gave us,” urging EU members to tighten anti‑dumping measures and coordinate a more robust response to protect European jobs and supply chains.

The alert comes as India and Belgium deepen defence collaboration, signing a series of contracts that cover medium‑range rockets, advanced drone systems and tank turrets. While the deals signal a strengthening of bilateral ties, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns in New Delhi about the transfer of sensitive technology, seeking clear safeguards to prevent any inadvertent leakage to rival nations. Belgium, for its part, has publicly assured that its defence cooperation with India does not extend to Pakistan, a stance reiterated by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid regional security sensitivities.

Beyond the immediate trade and security dimensions, the two countries share a historical bond rooted in the First World War. Belgian towns such as Ypres and the Flanders Fields region host memorials for Indian soldiers who fought and fell on European soil, a legacy that Indian media outlets have recently highlighted as a foundation for renewed partnership. With the combined weight of shared history, growing defence commerce, and a mutual interest in curbing China’s market practices, officials from both capitals see an opportunity to shape a more coordinated Indo‑European stance on global trade and security challenges.

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