New Delhi, December 18: Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh met the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. David van Weel, in New Delhi on December 18, 2025, reaffirming the strong and growing defence partnership between the two countries. The two ministers discussed mutual security and defence issues, including priority areas for joint development and co-production of defence equipment.

They reiterated their commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation, focusing on strengthening defence collaboration 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 rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The ministers emphasized the need for close defence cooperation and stronger linkages between the defence industries of both countries, particularly in niche technology areas. In the presence of both ministers, a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation was exchanged between Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, Ms. Marisa Gerards.

Both countries intend to explore opportunities for defence cooperation in identified areas of mutual benefit by preparing a defence industrial roadmap for technology collaboration, co-production, and joint development of platforms and equipment.

Shri Rajnath Singh stated that people-to-people ties between the two countries are very strong, and the large Indian community in the Netherlands serves as a living bridge, strengthening the bonds of friendship.