India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Netherlands not to supply arms to Pakistan, due to its role as a terror sponsor, during a meeting with Dutch Minister Ruben Brekelmans. They discussed enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, including in technology and cybersecurity. Singh also voiced concerns over the US-based SFJ group and its ties to Pakistani intelligence.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the Netherlands to refrain from arming Pakistan or providing advanced military technologies, citing concerns over regional security and Pakistan’s history as a state sponsor of terrorism. Singh conveyed these concerns during a meeting in New Delhi with Dutch Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans. He emphasized that countries allied with India should not support terrorism by equipping Pakistan’s military.
The ongoing collaboration between the Netherlands and Pakistan in the naval domain has been brought into question, as the Netherlands has previously supplied second-hand minehunters and offshore patrol vessels to Pakistan. Singh underscored that arming Pakistan could escalate tensions, and requested that the Netherlands cease such military support.
During the bilateral meeting, Singh and Brekelmans discussed enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including defense, security, information sharing, and advancing technologies. The ministers explored opportunities in shipbuilding, equipment, and space technologies, aiming to leverage each country’s skills and resources effectively in areas like artificial intelligence and related fields.
Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about strengthening defense ties through a post on X, stating his enthusiasm about meetings with the Dutch minister and discussions encompassing defense, cyber security, and Indo-Pacific strategies. The ministers foresee a collaborative effort in enhancing defense technology research between their respective nations.
Singh has also recently raised issues regarding the US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), emphasizing its connections to Pakistan’s intelligence agency and its goal of establishing Khalistan. He has called on US officials to designate the group as a terrorist organization to curb its activities against India.
Rajnath Singh’s discussions with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans highlight India’s concern over Pakistan’s military support from the Netherlands. The call for cessation of arms supplies underscores the need for regional security and the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, the proposed cooperation between India and the Netherlands in various technological domains shows potential for deeper defense relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
