Singapore City [Singapore], May 31 (ANI): Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan held bilateral discussions with General Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of Defence of the Netherlands, to strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations.

According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), the discussions focused on exploring avenues to enhance military engagement through exchange programs and bilateral training exercises.

'Deliberations were held on avenues to enhance #DefenceCooperation between both nations through military exchange programs and bilateral training events. Discussions also focused on #OperationSindoor, underscoring India's growing strategic partnerships to ensure peace and stability in the region,' HQ IDS said in a tweet.

https://x.com/HQ_IDS_India/status/1928702902769492025

Earlier, CDS General Anil Chauhan also interacted with Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of US INDOPACOM, USA, reinforcing defence ties.

Their discussions centred on Operation Sindoor, strengthening military-to-military cooperation and opportunities to foster collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, in the backdrop of the dynamic regional security landscape.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to address emerging security challenges and deepen strategic ties. Meanwhile, India and Brazil strengthened their bilateral ties at the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Both nations emphasised cooperation on regional security, maritime freedom and sustainable development.

General Anil Chauhan and Admiral Aguiar Freire, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Brazil, discussed shared values and interests, underscoring the importance of a rules-based international order and a growing convergence of views between India and Brazil on regional and global issues.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, CDS Chauhan noted that both countries gained independence at the same time, and Pakistan was ahead of India in various metrics, including social, economic, and GDP per capita, but today, New Delhi is ahead of them.

'Now, on the India-Pakistan relationship, we are not operating without a strategy. When we gained independence, Pakistan was ahead of us on every metric: social, economic, and GDP per capita. Today, India is ahead on all fronts: economic performance, human development, and social harmony, despite our greater diversity. That didn't happen by accident; it's a result of long-term strategy,' he said.

'Diplomatically, we've reached out like in 2014 when the PM invited Nawaz Sharif. But it takes two hands to clap. If all we get in return is hostility, then disengagement may itself be a sound strategy for now,' CDS Chauhan added. (ANI)