Immense Opportunities for Collaboration between India and the Netherlands: MEA
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Synopsis
On April 1, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp to enhance the bilateral partnership between India and the Netherlands. Discussions included trade, defence, technology, education, and new areas of cooperation, solidifying their strategic ties.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands.
- Focus on trade, defence, and technology.
- Exploration of new areas like semiconductors and green hydrogen.
- Emphasis on people-to-people connections.
- Commitment to global governance and multipolarity.
New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar conducted bilateral talks with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, aimed at enhancing the already solid partnership between India and the Netherlands across various sectors.
The discussions, which took place on Monday, explored topics such as trade, defence, technology, education, and global strategic developments, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Caspar Veldkamp, visiting India for his inaugural official trip, participated in delegation-level discussions with EAM Jaishankar to review the rapidly expanding collaboration between the two nations.
"External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar held delegation-level discussions with Foreign Minister Veldkamp on 31 March 2025, where they evaluated the enhancing bilateral cooperation in political exchanges, trade and investments, defence and security, innovation, culture, and people-to-people ties," stated the MEA.
The dialogue also highlighted emerging areas of partnership, including semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, and migration.
"They recognized the immense potential for collaboration between India and the Netherlands in novel and emerging fields such as semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, and the mobility of youth, skilled workers, and professionals, while continuing to strengthen traditional areas of cooperation like Water, Agriculture, and Health," further elaborated the statement.
After the discussions, EAM Jaishankar expressed on X, "I was pleased to meet FM Caspar Veldkamp from the Netherlands this evening. We explored our growing bilateral cooperation in trade, investments, innovation, water, agriculture, health, security, and people-to-people ties."
"We looked into new prospects in semiconductors, green hydrogen, education, and talent mobility. We also discussed global strategic developments and the importance of a multipolar world," he added.
Veldkamp shared similar thoughts in his post on X, stating, "It was a pleasure meeting with India FM S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, thank you for the warm welcome. We had a productive discussion about enhancing our partnership amid a changing geopolitical landscape and seeking common ground in a multipolar world order."
"We discussed our shared objectives and global governance, exploring how the Netherlands and India can collaborate in water, critical technologies, and security. We also deliberated on ways to bolster EU-India relations and addressed international developments, including Ukraine, the transatlantic relationship, the situation in the Middle East, and China," he added.
In addition to the bilateral talks, EAM Jaishankar and FM Veldkamp shared insights on various global and regional matters of mutual concern. Veldkamp is also set to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit.
India and the Netherlands have maintained a long-standing trusted partnership, with collaboration spanning a wide array of sectors. The two countries enjoy a strategic partnership in the water sector, which serves as a critical foundation of their bilateral relationship.
"The visit of FM Veldkamp will further energize our increasingly strong and expanding bilateral relations," the ministry concluded.
