New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday met Netherlands’ Foreign Minister David Van Weel here, reaffirming the strong and expanding defence partnership between the two countries.
The two leaders underlined their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region, and witnessed the signing of a letter of intent on defence cooperation, aimed at further deepening bilateral collaboration across key strategic and security domains.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence stated that in the meeting, 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 discussions highlighted the shared commitment of India and the Netherlands to a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. The ministers emphasised the need for a closer defence partnership and connecting the defence industries from both nations, especially in the field of niche technology.
A letter of intent on defence cooperation was exchanged between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Ambassador of the Netherlands to India Marisa Gerards, in the presence of the two ministers.
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.
Singh stated 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.
