India has formally requested the Netherlands to refrain from supplying arms or advanced technologies to Pakistan, citing the long-standing issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The matter was brought up by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Rajnath Singh emphasized that arming Pakistan would undermine regional security and urged countries friendly to India not to support a nation known for its role in fostering terrorism.
The request is significant given the strategic relationship between the Netherlands and Pakistan, particularly in the naval sector. The Netherlands has previously supplied second-hand minehunters and offshore patrol vessels to Pakistan, contributing to the country’s military capabilities. Rajnath Singh expressed concerns that such collaborations could embolden Pakistan in its destabilizing activities in the region, especially its support for cross-border terrorism against India.
In the meeting, Rajnath Singh and Brekelmans also discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including defence, security, and information exchange. They explored opportunities for collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment development, and space technology, aiming to leverage the complementary skills, technology, and scale of both countries. The two leaders also delved into the potential for working together in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing the growing importance of innovation in modern defence strategies.
Rajnath Singh later took to social media to express his satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting the deepening defence ties between India and the Netherlands. He wrote on X, “Delighted to meet the young and dynamic Defence Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans in New Delhi. We reviewed the full range of India-Netherlands defence cooperation and look forward to further deepening and elevating our defence partnership.” Rajnath Singh noted that the conversation covered key areas such as defence, cybersecurity, the Indo-Pacific region, and emerging technologies like AI.
This diplomatic engagement follows another recent concern raised by Rajnath Singh regarding the activities of the US-based secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). During talks with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Rajnath Singh highlighted SFJ’s links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its attempts to stir unrest in Punjab. Rajnath Singh urged the US to designate the SFJ as a terrorist entity and clamp down on its anti-India activities.
In previous statements, Rajnath Singh has made it clear that India will not hesitate to respond to any terrorist threats, even on foreign soil. He reiterated that India would track down and deal with terrorists wherever they may be, emphasizing the government’s commitment to countering terrorism in all its forms.
