Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Meets Dutch Counterpart Ruben Brekelmans to Enhance Defence Cooperation
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Synopsis
On March 18, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Netherlands' Ruben Brekelmans in New Delhi to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, including emerging technologies and maritime collaboration with New Zealand's navy.
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh and Ruben Brekelmans focused on enhancing defence cooperation.
- Discussions included shipbuilding and space sectors.
- Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence was a key point.
- Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi met with Rear Admiral Garin Golding to strengthen naval ties.
- Significant maritime events are planned to bolster India-New Zealand relations.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with his counterpart from the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, in New Delhi on Tuesday, as stated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The two Defence Ministers deliberated on enhancing bilateral cooperation in key sectors including defence, security, information exchanges, the Indo-Pacific, and emerging technologies, according to an MoD official.
During the meeting, they investigated collaborative opportunities in shipbuilding, equipment, and the space sectors.
The focus was on optimizing the complementary strengths in skills, technology, and scale between the two nations.
They also talked about potential collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and related technologies, alongside connecting their respective defence technology research institutes and organizations.
Post-meeting, Rajnath Singh expressed on X that India is eager to further enhance its defence partnership with the Netherlands.
In addition, a bilateral meeting took place in New Delhi between Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The discussions among the Naval Chiefs aimed at strengthening naval ties, joint training initiatives, and maritime cooperation.
Rear Admiral Garin Golding is visiting India officially from March 16 to 21 to bolster maritime cooperation and bilateral relations between the navies.
His visit includes high-level discussions and operational interactions in New Delhi and Mumbai.
On March 17, Rear Admiral Golding participated in the Raisina Dialogue.
The next day, he paid his respects to India's fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.
The New Zealand Navy Chief will also confer with senior defence leaders, including Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff Manoj Pande, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal A.P. Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, reaffirming New Zealand's commitment to regional security.
He will also visit Mumbai, where he will engage with personnel from the Western Naval Command, tour the indigenous destroyer INS Surat, and explore future collaboration opportunities in ship maintenance and technology.
On March 20, a significant highlight will be the reception on board HMNZS Te Kaha (Royal New Zealand Navy ship), hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, further strengthening India-New Zealand maritime relations.
Rear Admiral Garin Golding's visit signifies a pivotal advancement in India-New Zealand defence relations, fostering deeper naval cooperation and reinforcing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific, the official noted.
