New Delhi: Emphasising that Pakistan is a sponsor of terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday urged his visiting Netherlands counterpart, Ruben Berkelmans, not to arm or provide any technology to the Pakistani military, ThePrint has learnt.
He stated that arming Pakistan leads to instability in the region and that India has been a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for decades.
Singh made these remarks during his meeting with Berkelmans in the national capital.
He pointed out that the Netherlands, also known as Holland, had supplied Pakistan with two former Tripartite-class (Alkmaar-class) minehunters, namely HNLMS Middelburg (M858) and HNLMS Haarlem (M853).
Sources in the security establishment said that India is aware that Dutch companies are engaged in discussions with Pakistan for collaboration, particularly in the naval sector, which is a matter of concern.
In 2020, the Dutch government issued a permit for the sale of military technology for corvettes to the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, with Pakistan as the final destination.
Additionally, the Netherlands’ Damen Shipyard is supplying Pakistan with Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Notably, India has raised its pitch on the issue of terrorism recently. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with visiting New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon Monday, raised the issue of terrorism and Sikh separatism.
“We are both unanimous in our stance against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of 15 March 2019 or the Mumbai attack of 26 November 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. Strict action is necessary against those responsible for terrorist attacks. We will continue to collaborate in combating terrorist, separatist, and radical elements,” Modi said Monday.
On the same day, Singh also met with the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, during which he raised concerns regarding Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). He called for organisations that propagate violence to be designated as terrorist organisations.
Sources further noted that terrorism was a key focus area during a high-level meeting of intelligence heads from 20 countries, held in the national capital Sunday under the leadership of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)