Belgium’s Defence Minister, Theo Francken, announced on Monday that a military attaché will be added to the Belgian Embassy in India following his meeting with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi.
This will be the first time that the Belgian Embassy in India has a military attaché. "This region is very important, and China is becoming more aggressive," noted Francken. He emphasised the need for increased cooperation with India in defence matters. "Europe requires more weapons and ammunition, and we will look to India for this."
Francken also aims to accelerate the defence budget to reach 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP). "This is absolutely necessary," he stated. "I believe Belgium is finally waking up to geopolitical realities."
Specifically, Francken envisions a "credible Defence budget by the NATO summit in June, which would enhance our country’s credibility and the prestige of our Prime Minister."
Minister of Defence Theo Francken pays tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War with the British Army during a ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, India on Monday 03 March 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
While there is no coalition agreement on this yet, Francken mentioned recent statements from CD&V and Vooruit, both of which support increased defence spending.
The source of the increased budget remains unclear. The minister hinted at “several options” being considered, and noted that the European Union might relax budgetary rules to accommodate this.
On Monday, Francken also paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War, particularly in Flanders.
Accompanied by a few Indian soldiers, he laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence at the War Memorial. He then visited India Gate, a monument inscribed with the names of over 13,000 soldiers who died in various wars.
