Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Mr David Van Weel, in New Delhi on December 18, 2025, reinforcing the growing momentum in India–Netherlands defence and strategic relations. The meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening defence cooperation as a central pillar of the broader Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Focus on Defence Partnership and Strategic Collaboration
During the discussions, the two Ministers reviewed the evolving security environment and deliberated on a wide range of bilateral defence and security issues. Particular emphasis was placed on priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen industrial and technological collaboration.
Both sides reiterated their intention to enhance military-to-military engagement, capacity building, and institutional cooperation, underlining the importance of long-term strategic convergence between India and the Netherlands.
Shared Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
The meeting highlighted the common vision of India and the Netherlands for a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. The Ministers underscored the importance of upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and regional stability, and agreed that closer defence cooperation would contribute positively to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation Signed
A key outcome of the meeting was the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Defence Cooperation, formalised between Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, Ms Marisa Gerards, in the presence of the two Ministers.
The LoI aims to provide a structured framework for expanding cooperation in identified areas, including niche and emerging defence technologies, and for strengthening linkages between the defence industries of both countries.
Roadmap for Defence Industrial Collaboration
Both sides expressed their intent to explore new avenues of cooperation through the development of a Defence Industrial Roadmap, focusing on technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development of defence platforms and equipment. This roadmap is expected to enhance mutual capabilities while supporting self-reliance and innovation in defence manufacturing.
People-to-People Ties as a Strategic Asset
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between India and the Netherlands, noting that the vibrant Indian diaspora in the Netherlands acts as a living bridge between the two countries. He emphasised that these societal links further strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations and mutual trust.
Conclusion
The meeting between the Raksha Mantri and the Netherlands’ Foreign Minister reaffirmed the shared strategic outlook and growing defence cooperation between India and the Netherlands. With the signing of the Letter of Intent and a renewed focus on industrial and technological collaboration, the engagement marks a decisive step toward deepening the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership and contributing to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Source: PIB
