India, Netherlands reaffirm defence ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, David van Weel in New Delhi on Thursday (December 18, 2025), reaffirming the strong and steadily expanding defence partnership between the two nations.

During the meeting, both Ministers held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral security and defence cooperation, including priority areas for the co-development and co-production of defence equipment, the Ministry of Defence stated.

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The two countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement, and developing defence cooperation as a key pillar of the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership.

The talks also underscored the shared commitment of India and the Netherlands to a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. Emphasising the need for a closer defence partnership, the Ministers highlighted the importance of connecting the defence industries of both countries, particularly in niche and emerging technologies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Netherlands Foreign Minister David Van Weel during a meeting, in New Delhi on December 18, 2025. Photo: X/@SpokespersonMoD via PTI.

A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was exchanged between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, Marisa Gerards, in the presence of the two Ministers. The document aims to provide an institutional framework for advancing defence collaboration.

Both sides agreed 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 for mutual benefit.

Strong people-to-people ties form the foundation of the bilateral relationship, with the large Indian diaspora in the Netherlands acting as a living bridge that continues to strengthen bonds of friendship between the two countries.