Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that India and Belgium share warm and long-standing relations founded on mutual respect, democratic values, and a shared commitment to a rules-based global order.

The Minister said this during his delegation talks with Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken in New Delhi. Mr Singh said that the world is witnessing a time of great geopolitical and economic turmoil and stressed the need to handle the challenges.

He added that in such situations, meeting a friend and an important partner like Belgium provides a useful opportunity to exchange views and perspectives.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Fracken underlined on taking India-Belgium friendship forward.

During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to expand bilateral ties through defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building.

Both the leaders also discussed issues of regional peace and security and acknowledged the need for maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. They reiterated that the partnership between India and Belgium is based on shared values of mutual trust and respect.