India, Netherlands discuss on expanding defence cooperation

New Delhi, Feb 23 (FN Agency) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday held a bilateral meeting with the Netherlands Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren and discussed the possibilities for expanding defence cooperation, particularly in maritime and industrial domains. Both also stressed on increased interaction between the two Navies and expressed keenness to work together to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, an official statement said.Rajnath Singh suggested that the Dutch Original Equipment Manufacturers could be encouraged to integrate Indian vendors into their supply chains.

Adding that, India has developed a vibrant innovation and industrial eco-system. Given the Indian and Dutch complementarities in skills, technology and scale, both sides were in agreement to encourage more interactions between the defence industries, and in high-tech sectors of semi-conductors and clean energy, the statement added. The Netherlands Defence Minister is attending the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital.