Netherlands Seeks Stronger Defense Ties with India, Highlights Strategic Partnership and Support for Ukraine

The Netherlands aims to strengthen its relationship with India, focusing on defense and dual-use technologies like drones, AI, and semiconductors. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans discussed efforts to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, emphasizing the need for strong defense and security cooperation. The Netherlands, a key supporter of Ukraine, seeks to prevent Russian expansion and maintain European stability. Brekelmans noted that India’s ability to mass-produce defense technologies like drones and AI makes it a valuable partner.

He highlighted the importance of regular maritime and air exercises in the Indo-Pacific, especially with India. Brekelmans also expressed support for NATO and cautioned against reciprocal tariffs between the U.S. and its allies. The Netherlands has committed 10 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, stressing the need for a durable peace agreement to prevent future Russian aggression.

Netherlands Seeks Stronger Defense Ties with India, Highlights Strategic Partnership and Support for Ukraine

The Netherlands, a significant player in the semiconductor industry, aims to strengthen its relationship with India, particularly in areas such as defense, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors. In an exclusive interview with the Times of India, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans discussed how both nations are working toward a deeper, strategic partnership. This partnership focuses on building a strong defense and security foundation to support both countries’ mutual interests in technology and defense.

Brekelmans emphasized that the Netherlands, which has been a prominent supporter of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, believes in the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s security to prevent further Russian expansion. This effort aims to preserve stability in Europe. He pointed out that while both the Netherlands and India are leaders in advanced technologies like drones and AI, India has the unique ability to mass-produce these technologies. This is seen as a crucial factor in scaling up defense industries, making collaboration in these areas particularly valuable.

Regarding defense, Brekelmans highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation between the Netherlands and India, especially in the field of dual-use technologies. These technologies, such as drones and AI, are vital for modern defense strategies. Brekelmans also discussed the Indo-Pacific region, where the Netherlands has been proactive in developing its own policies. The country was one of the first European nations to outline its approach to the region, underlining its growing interest in strengthening its presence and cooperation there. Brekelmans emphasized the importance of regular maritime exercises and air drills, particularly joint drills with India. These exercises help demonstrate shared values and the commitment to working together on regional security issues.

On U.S. foreign policy, Brekelmans expressed his support for NATO, acknowledging the alliance’s importance now more than ever. While he recognized the U.S. approach to defense spending, he also cautioned that imposing reciprocal tariffs could strain relations between countries. For the Netherlands, maintaining strong, strategic alliances is essential, and Brekelmans emphasized that NATO remains a crucial player in global security efforts. The alliance has been instrumental in ensuring collective defense and preventing the spread of conflict, and the Netherlands is committed to this mission.

Brekelmans also reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s ongoing military support. The Netherlands has contributed 10 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, underscoring the country’s dedication to ensuring Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty. He discussed the importance of achieving a lasting peace agreement in Ukraine that would prevent future Russian aggression. For Brekelmans, this peace is crucial not only for Ukraine but for the overall stability of Europe in the long term.

Overall, the interview highlighted the Netherlands’ strong interest in deepening its relationship with India, especially in the fields of defense and technology. The countries are exploring ways to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies and defense systems that can help safeguard their shared interests in regional and global security. The strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands is seen as an essential step in reinforcing their roles as leaders in defense technology and innovation.