India, Netherlands reaffirm defence ties, explore co-development and industrial cooperation

New Delhi, December 18. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 18 held talks with Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel in New Delhi, with both sides reaffirming their intent to deepen the growing defence partnership between India and the Netherlands.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. They agreed to strengthen military-to-military engagement and develop defence cooperation as a key pillar of the broader India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership.

The discussions also underscored the shared commitment of both countries to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Emphasising the need for closer collaboration, the ministers highlighted the importance of linking the defence industries of the two nations, particularly in niche and emerging technologies.

In a significant step forward, a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was exchanged between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Netherlands’ Ambassador to India, Marisa Gerards, in the presence of the two ministers.

Both sides agreed to explore new avenues of defence collaboration through the development of a Defence Industrial Roadmap focused on technology cooperation, co-production and co-development of platforms and equipment for mutual benefit.

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, noting that the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands continues to act as a vital bridge, reinforcing friendship and cooperation between New Delhi and The Hague.