Overview
- New Delhi and The Hague exchanged a Letter of Intent to frame defence cooperation, including a roadmap for industry linkages, co-development and co-production of equipment.
- External affairs minister S. Jaishankar sought Dutch backing as the India–EU FTA enters a decisive phase, and David van Weel reported no major hurdles to a near-term deal.
- Both sides reaffirmed collaboration on semiconductors and emerging technologies, building on this year’s MoUs and industry engagement that included a visit to NXP in India.
- Maritime security featured prominently, with cooperation tied to a rules-based Indo-Pacific and a Dutch frigate scheduled to make a port call at Kochi in May 2026.
- Addressing Indian concerns, van Weel said recent arms deliveries to Pakistan stem from older approvals and emphasized strict end-user controls, as both countries also condemned terrorism and noted condolences for victims of a recent attack in Delhi.