New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The 13th Foreign Office Consultations took place in New Delhi on Thursday between India and the Netherlands, focusing on enhancing collaboration in vital sectors such as critical technologies and innovation, which encompass semiconductors and AI, science and technology, green hydrogen, and shipping, as well as key areas of Water, Agriculture, and Health (WAH agenda).

Both nations reiterated their commitment to add a strategic dimension to their bilateral relationship across various fields. The growing interactions and exchanges at the highest political levels were acknowledged, providing consistent guidance and momentum to the partnership, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The consultations served as a platform to evaluate the progress in bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration. The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA, while the Netherlands delegation was headed by Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Highlighting the significance of the Netherlands as a key economic ally for India in Europe, both sides recognized the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment. They emphasized the necessity of finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the year's end, in line with directives from the leadership of both India and the EU during the visit of the EU College of Commissioners in February. Discussions also included regional and global issues of mutual concern, particularly their joint efforts against terrorism, with India reaffirming its zero tolerance policy towards terrorism, according to the MEA.

Officials from both countries acknowledged the enduring significance of people-to-people connections and cultural ties in fortifying bilateral relations. The Indian community in the Netherlands was deemed an essential link, contributing significantly to the local economy and enhancing cultural exchanges.

The MEA elaborated: "The Foreign Office Consultations are a crucial institutional framework between India and the Netherlands to discuss the extensive range of bilateral cooperation. Emphasizing the importance of this mechanism, both sides agreed to continue regular consultations and to arrange the next round of discussions at a mutually convenient time in the Netherlands."

"India and the Netherlands maintain a robust bilateral partnership grounded in shared democratic values and multifaceted cooperation across various sectors. The countries have a Strategic Partnership on Water that encompasses substantial collaboration and knowledge sharing in flood management and clean water technologies, among other areas," the statement further noted.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 23. PM Modi remarked that the bilateral partnership is rapidly advancing in sectors like energy, technology, innovation, and water resources.

"I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Dick Schoof, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Our bilateral partnership is experiencing significant growth in areas such as water resources, innovation, technology, and energy. We will continue to deepen our trade and investment links in the future," PM Modi posted on X.

During their conversation, both leaders explored opportunities for expanding mutual investments through the Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, Schoof stated, "The Netherlands and India collaborate closely in trade, security, and innovation, and we rank as the fourth largest investor in India globally. Meeting briefly with Narendra Modi in South Africa during the G20 summit was fruitful. We discussed ways to enhance mutual investments through the Strategic Partnership and my participation in the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next year. The Netherlands and India will persist in their long-term collaboration. In a swiftly evolving world, it is vital that we can rely on one another."