India asks Netherlands to refrain from arming 'terror sponsor' Pakistan
What's the story
India has asked the Netherlands to cease the supply of arms and military technology to Pakistan, given its decades-old role in cross-border terrorism. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made the appeal when he met with his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans. The two countries also talked about enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense, security, information sharing, and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Regional stability
Singh highlights risks of arming Pakistan
Singh stressed that providing defense equipment and technologies to Pakistan would endanger regional security and stability in South Asia. "India has been fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J&K and elsewhere for decades." The Defence Minister urged all friendly nations not to arm Pakistan due to its state policy of promoting terrorism abroad.
Military ties
Netherlands's military support to Pakistan
The Netherlands has also supported Pakistan militarily, supplying two Alkmaar-class mine countermeasures vessels and a 1,900-tonne multi-role offshore patrol vessel. Several Dutch firms are reportedly working with Pakistan in the defense sector, especially the naval domain. Singh's appeal comes in the backdrop of such military exchanges between the two countries.
Tech partnership
India and Netherlands explore collaboration in emerging technologies
Singh and Brekelmans also discussed possible collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment, and space during their talks. They also talked about cooperation in emerging technologies like AI and related technologies apart from connecting the defense technology research institutes and organizations of the two countries. The two ministers are keen on optimizing the complementarity of skills, technology, and scale between the two countries.