New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic move, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, to halt the supply of arms and military technology to Pakistan. This request was made during a meeting in New Delhi, where Singh emphasized the detrimental impact of arming Pakistan on regional security. Pakistan’s history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism has been a longstanding concern for India, and Singh’s appeal reflects India’s efforts to address this issue with international partners.
The meeting between Singh and Brekelmans was part of broader discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and the Netherlands. The talks covered areas such as defence, security, information exchanges, the Indo-Pacific region, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. However, the central theme remained India’s concern over Pakistan’s actions and their implications for regional stability.
Singh specifically asked the Netherlands not to provide military technology or equipment to Pakistan, citing its role in sponsoring terrorism. This request comes after the Netherlands had previously supplied naval vessels, including minehunters, to Pakistan. Despite these historical transactions, India is keen to strengthen its partnership with the Netherlands in sectors such as shipbuilding, equipment, and space. The two countries also explored potential collaborations in AI and related technologies, highlighting their commitment to mutual cooperation in areas beyond defence.
The discussions underscored the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the need for collaborative efforts in emerging technologies. By deepening their defence partnership, India and the Netherlands aim to leverage each other’s strengths in technology and scale, fostering a more robust and secure environment in the region.
