India Asks Netherlands Not to Supply Weapons to Pakistan, Citing Cross-Border Terrorism
Summary: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that equipping Pakistan with defence equipment and technologies undermines regional security and stability, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism. He made this clear during a meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, as the two countries focused on elevating their bilateral defence cooperation.
Introduction: In a significant diplomatic development, India has asked the Netherlands not to provide arms, weapons, platforms, and military technologies to Pakistan, which has been sponsoring cross-border terrorism for decades. The request was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans.
Key Highlights:
- India and the Netherlands decided to elevate their bilateral ties in areas like defence, security, information exchanges, maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and new and emerging technologies like AI and drones.
- Singh emphasized that equipping Pakistan with defence equipment and technologies "undermines regional security and stability" in South Asia, as India has been fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J&K and elsewhere for decades.
- The Netherlands, for instance, has supplied two Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessels or mine-hunters to Pakistan, and is also providing 1,900-tonne multi-role offshore patrol vessels from the Damen Shipyards.
- India and the Netherlands also explored the possibilities of collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment, and space sectors, "optimizing the complementariness in skills, technology, and scale of the two countries".
Conclusion: The request made by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is a significant diplomatic move, as it highlights the continued threat posed by cross-border terrorism in the region. India and the Netherlands have a strong opportunity to strengthen their defence ties, particularly in areas like AI, drones, and shipbuilding.
Keywords: India, Netherlands, Defence, Cross-Border Terrorism, Pakistan, Rajnath Singh, Ruben Brekelmans, Defence Cooperation, AI, Drones, Shipbuilding
Hashtags: #India #Netherlands #Defence #CrossBorderTerrorism #Pakistan #RajnathSingh #RubenBrekelmans #DefenceCooperation #AI #Drones #Shipbuilding