In a strong diplomatic move, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged his Netherlands counterpart, Ruben Berkelmans, to ensure that Dutch firms do not supply weapons, platforms, or technology to Pakistan. Citing decades of cross-border terrorism, Singh stressed that any such support threatens regional peace and stability.
India’s Tough Stand on Security
During their high-profile meeting in New Delhi, Singh made it clear that Pakistan’s actions have long impacted India’s security, and providing military technology to Islamabad would only escalate tensions. Sources say Singh’s message was firm—peace in the region cannot be compromised.
Boosting India-Netherlands Defence Ties
Beyond security concerns, the ministers explored new avenues for collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment manufacturing, and space technology. The defence ministry emphasized that both nations could leverage their expertise in skills, technology, and scalability.
Following the meeting, Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) and reaffirmed India’s commitment to stronger defence ties: “Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Berkelmans, in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation. Looking forward to further deepening and elevating our partnership.”
Focus on AI, Indo-Pacific & Cybersecurity
The leaders also discussed key global concerns, including cybersecurity, Indo-Pacific security, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Both nations are set to enhance cooperation between their defence research institutes to drive innovation and technological advancements.
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A Clear Message to Europe
India’s stance is firm—defence partnerships should align with the goal of regional stability. The ball is now in the Netherlands’ court. Will they restrict arms and tech supply to Pakistan? Singh’s direct appeal has set the stage for crucial diplomatic decisions ahead.
