Submission Statement: Both countries signed a defense pact covering joint weapons production, giving European firms greater access to India as New Delhi expands domestic manufacturing and modernizes its armed forces. The package includes 10 deals between Belgian and Indian companies covering weapons and defense equipment.
Exail Belgium and Larsen & Toubro Ltd (the conglomerate that helped build the Delhi Metro) will build mine countermeasure vessels, while Thales Belgium will assemble 70 mm rockets in India with Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. New Lachaussée will supply a €50 million ($58.1 million) ammunition production line, and Anglo Belgian Corporation is in talks with Kirloskar Oil Engines on developing a 6 MW marine diesel engine for future Indian naval programs.
John Cockerill Defense is meanwhile seeking to supply the turret for India’s Zorawar light tank, designed for high-altitude operations. Separately, OIP Sensor Systems will cooperate with state-owned India Optel on electro-optical and fire-control systems for the locally made Arjun tank.
This deal signals increased alignment between the EU and India following the signing of the EU-India FTA and allows European firms to expand their own production capacity while offering Indian firms access to technology and manufacturing capacity.
Posted by DifficultBarber6969