Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Netherlands Defence Minister Ms Kajsa Ollongren in New Delhi today, focusing on the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations. The meeting, held on February 23, 2024, explored avenues for collaboration, particularly in maritime and industrial domains.
Both Ministers acknowledged the growing interaction between the Indian and Dutch Navies and expressed a mutual desire to strengthen cooperation to bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
During the meeting, the Raksha Mantri proposed the integration of Indian vendors into the supply chains of Dutch Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). He highlighted India’s dynamic innovation and industrial ecosystem, suggesting that it could synergize effectively with Dutch expertise.
Recognizing the complementarities in skills, technology, and scale between India and the Netherlands, both Ministers agreed to foster greater interaction between their defence industries. They also emphasized cooperation in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy.
It is noteworthy that the Netherlands Defence Minister is currently attending the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, further underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges.
The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Netherlands Defence Minister Ms Kajsa Ollongren marks a significant step forward in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands, setting the stage for deeper cooperation in defence and other critical sectors.
