Pakistan sources its military equipment primarily from three nations: China, Netherlands, and Turkey. While China’s dominance in Pakistan’s arms imports is well known, the Netherlands has surprisingly emerged as the second-largest supplier after China, surpassing Turkey. Between 2020 and 2024, around 5.5% of Pakistan’s imported weapons came from the Netherlands. Most of these are naval weapons, including mine hunters and patrol vessels, originally supplied in the 1990s and through deals renewed in later years.
Jaishankar Begins European Tour with Visit to Netherlands
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar began his six-day, three-nation European tour on May 19, with the Netherlands as his first stop. This visit is significant as it marks his first foreign engagement after Operation Sindoor and began in a country that is a major defense supplier to Pakistan. His meetings with the Dutch Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister included discussions on strategic partnerships and counter-terrorism cooperation.
India Highlights Shared Interests, Thanks Netherlands for Anti-Terror Stance
Following his meetings, Jaishankar posted on X expressing gratitude to Dutch leaders for their condemnation of terrorism and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. However, despite supporting India’s stance on recent terror incidents, the Netherlands has in the past called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, signaling a balanced diplomatic posture.
India Eyes Economic Leverage to Influence Arms Trade
India holds a strong economic position in its relationship with the Netherlands, with bilateral trade valued at $22 billion — significantly higher than Pakistan’s total $15 billion trade with the entire European Union. India is also open to Dutch involvement in its defense sector, potentially giving the Netherlands a commercial incentive to reconsider its defense ties with Pakistan.
Netherlands Faces Strategic Dilemma Over Defense Ties
India’s economic clout and expanding defense sector present an opportunity for the Netherlands, which must now weigh its relations with a rising global player against its defense dealings with Pakistan. The Netherlands, unlike China or Turkey, has no political alignment with Pakistan, making continued arms support a strategic risk, especially if it threatens economic ties with India.
Dutch Weapons for Pakistan’s Navy Raise Security Concerns
The Netherlands has historically supported Pakistan’s Navy by supplying mine hunters and patrol ships. In 2021, two secondhand naval mine hunters were delivered, and under a 2017 deal, more warships are being constructed by Dutch firms. These actions, though commercial, raise concerns for India given the strategic importance of maritime security in the region.
India’s Strategic Calculations Going Forward
As India deepens its diplomatic and economic engagement with the Netherlands, it may leverage these ties to push for a reassessment of Dutch arms exports to Pakistan. The long-term goal appears to be reducing Pakistan’s defense support through economic influence rather than confrontation, ensuring that India’s own strategic interests in Europe remain unaffected.
