![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
India and the Netherlands on Tuesday agreed to draw up a comprehensive Defence Industrial Roadmap aimed at expanding cooperation in co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment, reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
The decision was taken during talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel in New Delhi. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral defence and security cooperation and identified priority areas for deeper collaboration, particularly in niche and emerging technologies.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military-to-military engagement and positioning defence cooperation as a key pillar of the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership. Discussions focused on enhancing industrial linkages, technology collaboration, and creating mutually beneficial opportunities for joint development.
The ministers also underlined their shared vision for a free, open, inclusive and rules-based
Indo-Pacific, noting the importance of closer coordination between like-minded partners in the region. Emphasising the need for a more structured defence partnership, they agreed on connecting defence industries from both countries, especially in specialised technology domains.
In a significant step forward, a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Defence Cooperation was exchanged between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India, in the presence of the two ministers. The LoI provides the framework for developing the proposed Defence Industrial Roadmap, covering technology collaboration, co-production and co-development of platforms and equipment.
Singh highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, noting that the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations. “The close bonds between our peoples act as a living bridge and add momentum to our growing partnership,” he said.
The agreement comes amid India’s broader push to expand defence industrial cooperation with international partners, aligned with its emphasis on indigenisation, innovation and joint development under long-term strategic frameworks.
Team BharatShakti
