Image Credit: X account @DefensieMin
Netherlands Defence Minister Stresses Stronger Defence Ties with India
In a significant diplomatic meeting held in The Hague, Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans underlined the critical need to strengthen defence ties with India. The minister met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on May 20, 2025, as part of ongoing bilateral efforts to enhance strategic partnerships in a changing global environment.
Defence Minister Brekelmans Calls India ‘Essential Partner’
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Ruben Brekelmans said, “In these turbulent times, close cooperation with India is more important than ever.” He described the visit by Minister Jaishankar as an honor and reiterated the Netherlands’ commitment to forging a deeper and more structured defence relationship with India.
The Netherlands sees India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region and an indispensable ally in tackling contemporary global security threats, including hybrid warfare, cyber defence, and strategic deterrence.
Dialogue on Security and Strategic Cooperation
The high-level meeting provided a forum for both sides to exchange views on regional and global security dynamics. Topics discussed included maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, joint military training programs, and emerging technologies in defence.
The two leaders also discussed the possibility of future defence technology collaborations and institutional exchanges between armed forces and defence research bodies.
Indian Diaspora Strengthening Bilateral Bonds
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar also held an interactive session with the Indian community in the Netherlands. He acknowledged the diaspora’s role in bridging both nations and described them as “a living bond between India and the Netherlands.”
Jaishankar noted that people-to-people ties have consistently strengthened cultural, economic, and strategic relations between the two countries and are key to future engagement.
Part of Wider European Diplomatic Tour
The Netherlands leg is part of Minister Jaishankar’s multi-nation tour from May 19 to 24, which includes visits to Denmark and Germany. The broader aim of the trip is to deepen political, defence, and economic ties with key European partners and align global strategic priorities, particularly in light of shifting geopolitical equations post-Ukraine and Indo-Pacific developments.
The Netherlands, a long-standing EU ally, has increasingly aligned itself with India’s position on freedom of navigation, supply chain resilience, and technology sovereignty.
