In a significant display of deepening ties, Netherlands’ Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans today hosted India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in The Hague. The two leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions on security concerns spanning both Europe and Asia, and explored avenues for a robust bilateral defence partnership.
Reflecting on the increasingly complex security landscape, Minister Brekelmans emphasized the critical role India now plays on the global stage. “In these turbulent times, close cooperation with India is more important than ever,” he remarked, welcoming Dr Jaishankar. The Dutch minister highlighted shared strategic interests and underlined his eagerness to expand collaborative initiatives in defence technology, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing.
Dr Jaishankar, on his part, praised the Netherlands for its steady commitment to safeguarding international stability. “Today’s dialogue allowed us to exchange views on our respective security perspectives and challenges,” he said. He added that a formal bilateral defence partnership could offer mutual benefits, including enhanced maritime security and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Beyond their official discussions, the External Affairs Minister took time to meet members of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands. During a community reception held this evening, Dr Jaishankar lauded the contributions of Indian professionals, students, and entrepreneurs who have strengthened ties between the two nations. “I value the community’s role in building a stronger relationship between India and the Netherlands,” he noted, applauding their cultural and economic engagement.
Dr Jaishankar arrived in The Hague on Monday morning local time, marking the first leg of a four-country European tour that will also take him to Denmark and Germany through May 24. According to an official statement from New Delhi, the visit aims to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation—from trade and investment to counterterrorism and climate change—and to foster dialogue on regional and global challenges.
Notably, Dr Jaishankar’s itinerary includes a meeting in Berlin with Germany’s new Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who assumed office earlier this month. Earlier this week, the three European capitals—The Hague, Copenhagen, and Berlin—expressed solidarity with India following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, a reflection of the growing solidarity among international partners.
As India seeks to expand its global partnerships, this visit underscores a mutual recognition in The Hague of the strategic importance of Indo-Dutch collaboration. Both ministers concluded their day optimistic that the seeds planted during today’s talks will soon bear fruit in enhanced security cooperation and a shared commitment to regional peace.
