New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar conducted a meeting with his counterpart from the Netherlands, David van Weel, in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors such as trade, defence, shipping, water, agriculture, health, and culture.

The discussions also encompassed multilateral cooperation and pressing global issues. Present at the meeting were Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Sibi George and other officials.

“I was pleased to meet FM David van Weel of the Netherlands today in New Delhi. We had productive discussions on our bilateral cooperation including in trade, defence, shipping, water, agriculture, health, and culture. We also explored new opportunities in semiconductors, talent mobility, and renewables. Additionally, we exchanged thoughts on our multilateral collaboration and global challenges. I value the Netherlands' support for strengthened India-EU ties and the conclusion of the FTA,” EAM Jaishankar shared on X after the meeting.

David van Weel remarked that India and the Netherlands collaborate closely on matters that shape their mutual future. The two nations have successfully concluded six Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors including defence, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.

“India and the Netherlands work together on issues that define our future. In my meeting with Minister S Jaishankar, we addressed regional stability, the Indo-Pacific, and the requirements for cooperation in a rapidly evolving world,” he noted on X.

“With this visit, we are taking the next step. We have finalized six new MoUs - cooperation agreements - including on defence, cyber, and semiconductors. This is how India and the Netherlands jointly invest in innovation and economic resilience,” he added.

On Thursday, David van Weel met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi.

Following their discussions, David van Weel tweeted, “Security relies on cooperation. India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh and I signed a Letter of Intent, outlining our joint efforts aimed at strengthening our partnership in defence and maritime security. This encompasses initiatives to secure open and safe sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific.

He also engaged with Shashi Tharoor, a Congress MP and chair of India’s Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, to discuss cooperation prospects and how domestic debates influence foreign policy.

“A fruitful conversation with Shashi Tharoor, Chair of India’s Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs. We examined how domestic discussions shape foreign policy, India’s role on the global stage, and opportunities for collaboration between India and the Netherlands,” he posted on X.

David van Weel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after completing his engagements in Mumbai. During his visit, he toured the Netherlands Consulate in Mumbai and met with students, entrepreneurs, and social partners.

“Yesterday, David van Weel visited our Consulate in Mumbai, where he met students, entrepreneurs, and social partners. A ministerial visit always provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the individuals who shape our bilateral ties,” stated the Netherlands Embassy in India on X.

He also met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss ongoing cooperation in the state.

In a post on X, the Netherlands Foreign Minister expressed, “Honoured to meet with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss India-Netherlands cooperation in Maharashtra, focusing on maritime innovation, circular economy, water, and agriculture. It’s encouraging to witness the potential to deepen our partnership.”