Defence Secretary Holds High-Level Bilateral Talks at Shangri-La Dialogue, Strengthening India’s Global Defence Partnerships

During his meeting with Netherlands Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, discussions centred on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, strengthening military-to-military relations, and exploring new opportunities for defence industrial collaboration. According to the Defence Ministry, the talks reflected the growing strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands and underscored the shared commitment of both nations to deepen defence engagement.

In another important engagement, Mr Singh met Australian Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn to review progress achieved under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides assessed ongoing cooperation initiatives, discussed forthcoming high-level engagements, and explored measures to further strengthen defence collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Mr Singh also held discussions with Secretary General of the European External Action Service Belén Martínez Carbonell and Deputy Chair of the European Union Military Committee Lieutenant General Enrico Barduani. The Defence Ministry stated that the talks advanced the India-European Union strategic dialogue, focusing on shared security interests and identifying avenues for deeper defence and strategic cooperation.

The series of high-level meetings at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlighted India’s expanding defence diplomacy and its continued efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, enhance military cooperation, and promote defence-industrial collaboration with major global stakeholders amid an evolving international security landscape.