India has urged the Netherlands to halt military exports to Pakistan due to concerns over regional security

India has urged the Netherlands to halt military exports to Pakistan, citing concerns over regional security and allegations of support for terrorism, during a meeting held on March 18, 2025.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized to his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, in New Delhi the need to reassess arms shipments, arguing that such exports bolster Pakistan’s capacity to destabilize the region, particularly near India’s borders.

This request is rooted in India’s long-standing assertion that Pakistan supports insurgent groups that target Indian territory, a claim that Islamabad refutes. While the Netherlands has yet to provide an official response, Singh also suggested enhancing defense cooperation between New Delhi and Amsterdam. This dialogue underscores the rising tensions in South Asia and their potential implications for European arms trade.

The conversation was prompted by India’s apprehensions regarding Pakistan’s military expansion, which New Delhi perceives as a direct threat. Singh cautioned that equipment supplied by the Netherlands could be utilized in operations that jeopardize India, especially in the disputed Kashmir region.

As reported by Hindustan Times, Singh conveyed to Brekelmans, “Providing arms to Pakistan risks escalating conflict in a volatile region.”

This meeting followed several months of Indian diplomatic initiatives aimed at restricting Pakistan’s access to foreign military technology, amidst a rivalry that dates back to their partition in 1947. Although details regarding current Dutch exports were not revealed, the appeal highlights India’s strategic efforts to limit its neighbor’s military capabilities.

The Netherlands has engaged in defense transactions with Pakistan, albeit on a smaller scale than major suppliers such as China. In the 1990s, the Netherlands provided the Pakistan Navy with four Alkmaar-class minehunters, followed by additional sales of patrol boats and surplus armored vehicles in subsequent years, facilitated by companies like Damen Shipyards.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Dutch arms exports to Pakistan from 2010 to 2020 are estimated at around $150 million. While this amount is relatively modest, it holds considerable significance for New Delhi. India is likely concerned about recent discussions regarding maritime systems that could enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities, a sensitive issue given their historical conflicts.

India’s stance is closely linked to its portrayal of Pakistan as a supporter of terrorism. New Delhi highlights groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that resulted in 166 fatalities, and Jaish-e-Mohammed, associated with the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian soldiers.

Pakistan, however, refutes these claims, with its Foreign Ministry maintaining that its military acquisitions are purely defensive. Singh reportedly shared undisclosed intelligence with Brekelmans to support his arguments, as reported by ANI News, although specifics remain confidential.

The discussions in New Delhi also served as a platform for India to propose enhanced collaboration with the Netherlands. Singh advocated for joint defense initiatives, tapping into India’s defense market, valued at $120 billion and expected to grow at an annual rate of 5%, according to Deloitte.

Brekelmans listened attentively but did not provide a definitive response, leaving the Netherlands’ future actions uncertain, as reported by NDTV.

Pakistan has not yet provided a direct response regarding the recent meeting, although previous statements offer some insight. Last month, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed similar concerns about Chinese military supplies, asserting, “Our defense needs are legitimate and sovereign.”

According to the Commerce Ministry, trade between Islamabad and the Netherlands reached $1.2 billion in 2024, indicating that Pakistan is likely to resist any disruptions. Analysts expect discreet lobbying efforts from Pakistan to secure continued Dutch support, particularly as India intensifies its pressure.

The situation in South Asia is critical. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed nations that have engaged in four wars and currently maintain a fragile ceasefire in Kashmir. India’s naval capabilities significantly surpass those of Pakistan, with 140 warships compared to Pakistan’s 20. However, the presence of Chinese-supplied frigates and submarines in Pakistan’s fleet raises concerns for New Delhi, as highlighted in the 2024 Military Balance report.

The potential acquisition of Dutch patrol boats could enhance Pakistan’s coastal defenses, a development that India would view with alarm, especially in light of past events like the 1999 Kargil naval standoff. Singh’s appeal seeks to avert such a shift in military balance.

The Netherlands’ arms industry, led by companies such as Damen and Thales, exported $3.8 billion in military equipment last year, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Sales to Pakistan are consistent with its strategy of supporting maritime security in developing countries.

India has a history of scrutinizing Pakistan’s military suppliers. It has voiced concerns over China’s $6 billion JF-17 jet initiative and the U.S. upgrades to F-16s for Pakistan, claiming these developments bolster militant activities.

In collaboration with the Netherlands, Singh has linked security issues with economic incentives, proposing joint development of naval systems to attract Dutch companies to participate in India’s expanding shipbuilding industry. This initiative follows last year’s $5.5 billion Rafale agreement with France and ongoing discussions for 26 Rafale-M jets, highlighting India’s financial capabilities.

This meeting underscores India’s increasing engagement with Europe. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte finalized an $8 billion trade agreement, paving the way for defense negotiations.

As the European Union considers a €800 billion rearmament strategy in response to the conflict in Ukraine, India’s request poses a challenge to Europe’s geopolitical focus. The Netherlands, as a mid-level player, must navigate its relationships with two competing South Asian nations.

Since the 1990s, Pakistan’s military connections with the West have diminished, when U.S. assistance exceeded $1 billion annually. Dutch exports have partially compensated for this decline, but India’s influence may drive Pakistan closer to China, which provided $2 billion in arms last year according to SIPRI, or to Turkey.

This situation could potentially escalate an arms race, particularly if India accelerates its own defense agreements. The Netherlands’ reaction may significantly alter the balance of power in the region.

The outcome of Dutch politics could be influential. According to De Volkskrant, lawmakers are engaged in discussions weighing economic benefits against ethical considerations, but they have yet to reach an agreement. India anticipates a prompt response due to the urgency of the situation, although Brekelmans’ inquiries regarding evidence indicate a need for caution, as reported by NDTV. Meanwhile, Pakistan appears to rely on its trade relationships to maintain its position, although its influence is not as strong as that of India.

Information regarding the negotiations is limited beyond initial remarks. India is planning follow-up actions, potentially involving Dutch companies, as indicated by sources from the Economic Times, while Pakistan’s lack of communication suggests it may be pursuing discreet strategies. The Netherlands has yet to make a decision, and no timeline has been established.