News item | 19-03-2025 | 08:44

The Netherlands wants to contribute to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “With all the geopolitical grimness, it is important to strengthen ties with ‘non-aligned’ India. Stability in the Indo-Pacific is intertwined with our trade and security.” That was the message of Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans during the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in India. This is one of the most important geopolitical conferences in the Asia-Pacific region. Brekelmans was there in recent days.

Brekelmans spoke with his Indian colleague Rajnath Singh, among others.

In order to achieve this security and stability, the Netherlands wants to strengthen the relationship with India. Not only on a diplomatic level, but also in the field of defense. Brekelmans discussed plans with his Indian colleague Rajnath Singh to cooperate in the field of maritime safety, AI and cybersecurity. This should become part of a broad strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands, of which defense cooperation will be a part. This cooperation underlines the increasing importance of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the current geopolitical situation.

Brekelmans: “As an ‘independent’ superpower, India enters into various partnerships. India has a historical bond with Russia, but also intensive relations with the West. At the same time, it is a guiding country for the Global South. Strengthening the defence and security relationship with India therefore also offers opportunities for Europe and the Netherlands.”

Indo-Pacific
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific demand attention and cooperation. A safe Indo-Pacific is of great importance to the Netherlands as a trading nation. Security developments in Europe are directly related to those in the Indo-Pacific.

The Netherlands already sends a navy ship here every 2 years for visits and joint military exercises. In doing so, the navy contributes to the defense of maritime law and freedom of passage. Furthermore, the region is scheduled to participate in exercises in the coming 2 years, both at sea and in the air. In addition, both countries are looking at how more exchanges between Dutch and Indian military personnel are possible. India has the fourth largest armed forces in the world.