New heights in India-Netherlands relations: Sectors like semiconductor, green energy and defense will be strengthened

New Delhi. India and the Netherlands have agreed to work towards strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors and explore possibilities of cooperation in the field of semiconductors, exchange of talents and renewable energy. Both countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to fight it. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in talks with Netherlands Foreign Minister David Van Wiel here on Friday, reviewed the bilateral relations and discussed in detail about the possibilities of cooperation in new areas. Later, Dr. Jaishankar said in a post on social media that he discussed with Mr. Weil how to strengthen cooperation in various fields as well as opportunities for cooperation in new areas such as semiconductors.

Possibilities of partnership explored in new areas

He said, “It was a pleasure to meet David van Weel, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, in New Delhi today. We had fruitful discussions on our bilateral cooperation, including trade, defence, shipping, water, agriculture, health and culture. And also touched upon new opportunities in semiconductors, talent mobility and renewables. We also exchanged views on our multilateral cooperation and global issues. Netherlands to strengthen India-EU relations and conclude FTAs. We appreciate your support.”

The Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement saying that the two leaders reviewed the entire scope of India-Netherlands relations during the delegation-level talks and noted the significant progress of the partnership in recent years. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen the strategic dimension of the relationship. The External Affairs Minister said that India looks forward to the visit of Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schuof for the AI ​​Impact Summit here in February.

Weil reiterated his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit to the Netherlands to further strengthen and improve bilateral relations. Both Ministers welcomed the efforts of both sides to expand the bilateral partnership into new areas of emerging technologies such as semiconductors, defence, digital, AI, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education and mobility, to give it a more strategic direction. In this context, he mentioned various MoUs and agreements signed this year. They welcomed the MoU on Partnership on Semiconductor and Related Emerging Technologies. They also expressed satisfaction at the Joint Declaration on Enhancing Cooperation in the Field of Digital and Cyberspace, which will enable both sides to strengthen security cooperation in the digital domain in the face of emerging challenges.

He described trade and economic relations as one of the key pillars of the India-Netherlands partnership. He said the decision to set up a Joint Trade and Investment Committee will help deepen cooperation, address trade facilitation issues and promote bilateral investment. Recalling the rich maritime history of India and the Netherlands, the Ministers welcomed the MoU for the development of a National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. They also discussed further strengthening cooperation in the maritime and shipping sectors, especially in the areas of green shipping, port development and shipbuilding.

The two Ministers discussed ways to strengthen and enhance results under the ‘Water, Agriculture and Health’ (WAH) agenda. In this regard, they welcomed the new agreement on cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical device products. Both sides discussed important developments in the Indian Pacific, Ukraine, South Asia, West Asia and other regional and global issues of common interest.

Veal expressed condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Delhi. Both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive manner. India reiterated its policy of zero tolerance for terrorism. Veal, who is on a visit to India, had earlier also held a meeting with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.