“India saw this earlier than we did. And they warned us. And we didn't listen,” -- that was a rare admission of fact by a European leader.
This was in reference to China's growing economic footprint and the dumping of goods in European markets. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Europe was now confronting the consequences of allowing such dependencies to build up, including the possibility of economic relationships being turned into instruments of political pressure.
His remarks came as India and Belgium deepened defence ties and signalled greater strategic trust during his New Delhi visit. It's a fact of life that Europe had for too long allowed cheap foreign goods to flood its markets, undermining domestic industries while leaving the continent increasingly dependent on external suppliers.
Important point to underline is what is 'changing' between India and Europe. The visiting dignitary also said - "We do not like to be pushed around". This was perhaps about India.
He also added: "Your Prime Minister warned us about this ... long time ago".
"But he was ignored; he was not listened to. We are listening now. It's bit late maybe. Europe is awakening... it is happening.
"... We are looking around in the world and seeing .. who is like us till believer in multi-lateralism," -- this ought to be a strong and bitter crtique of the US policies especially under Donald Trump.
“For Europe, these past years have been a rude awakening. For too long, Europe looked on as overcapacity was dumped below costs on our markets. As its industrial base was undermined and as dependencies were deliberately built up so that it could be used as leverage,” he said, without directly naming China.
That means ,,, now India has a much important role to play. We may have to look for reasons .. why the 'thinking process' in Europe is undergoing a steady transition.
Europe's bitter truth in circa 2026 is -- it is being sandwiched between China and the US. The 'bitter truth' they are facing is actually more than just 'bitter'.
Europe realises that it cannot assume that the so called 'west' will hold together. So, it will need new but dependable friend India.
Belgium and even other European countries are now looking at India for strategic and defence ties. During this visit; some progress has been made.
India will deploy a permanent defence attache in Belgium.
Belgium will now cooperate with India in defence manufacturing sector. Both the countries will also produce ammunition protection line and work on counter-drone technologies. Some papers have been inked to facilitate joint manufacturing.
It is presumed; India is keen to work out enhanced defence cooperation with other European countries.
Italy is going to be an important partner.
India and Germany are finalizing an $8 billion defense agreement for six advanced conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
Three other countries - Sweden, Poland and Spain will also have enhanced defence ties with the Modi Govt. Experts say - the Modi Govt has changed the rule of the game in a modest manner. Europe - to India's foreign policy and defence strategissts - is a bloc.
Earlier; talks used to be held one country at a time. This change is significant.
Moreover, steps have been taken to boost private sector engagements as well. The FTA earlier this year was certainly a game-changer.
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab is setting up a major Carl-Gustaf weapons manufacturing facility in Haryana, marking its first production unit outside Sweden under the 'Make in India' initiative. Both nations have upgraded to an enhanced Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0, focusing heavily on defense manufacturing, advanced tech, and joint R&D.
ends
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