New Delhi: India and Belgium are looking to deepen naval cooperation, with maritime security, operational engagements and defence technology featuring in discussions between both naval chiefs on Saturday. The engagement is aimed at strengthening existing ties and identifying new areas of collaboration.
Rear Admiral Tanguy Botman, commander of the Belgian navy, is on an official visit to India on Saturday. During the visit, he held discussions with the chief of the naval staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, on a range of bilateral maritime issues.
The discussions covered maritime security, operational engagements, training, personnel exchanges and cooperation in naval technology. Admiral Botman also interacted with other senior Indian officials to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral naval cooperation.
The visit comes as India continues to strengthen its maritime partnerships with European countries. Building on their longstanding maritime ties, India and Belgium are looking to expand professional exchanges, technical cooperation and the sharing of naval expertise.
Cooperation in training and operational activities could also help both navies strengthen institutional ties. These engagements provide a foundation for exploring further areas of maritime collaboration.
During his visit, Admiral Botman paid tribute to fallen Indian soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He was subsequently accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at South Block.
According to the Indian Navy, the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral Navy-to-Navy relations. It will focus on strengthening existing engagements and exploring new avenues for maritime cooperation between India and Belgium.