India and the Netherlands today highlighted their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel also reaffirmed the strong and growing defence partnership between the two countries during a meeting held in New Delhi.
Both ministers discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. They reaffirmed the commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation with a focus on developing defence cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership.
The ministers emphasised the need for a closer defence partnership and for connecting the defence industries from both nations, especially in the field of niche technology. A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was also exchanged between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Ambassador of the Netherlands to India Marisa Gerards, in the presence of the two Ministers.
Meanwhile, Mr Singh said that people-to-people ties between both countries are very strong, with a large Indian diaspora in the Netherlands serving as a living bridge and strengthening the bonds of friendship.
Both countries intend to explore the possibilities of defence cooperation in identified areas for the mutual benefit by developing a Defence Industrial Roadmap for technology collaboration, co-production and co-development of platforms and equipment.
