The Hague, May 17: India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart, Rob Jetten, have adopted a significant roadmap to strengthen India-Netherlands relations.
The two leaders decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership,” showcasing shared values, trust, and increasing convergence and cooperation between the nations.
Speaking to the media after delegation-level talks, Secretary (West) Sibi George stated, “PM Modi discussed the reforms in India over the past few decades and the significant changes in recent years, emphasizing our steps towards a Developed India by 2047. He expressed happiness about the progress in bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen them.”
He added, “Both sides already share strong cooperation in the water sector, establishing a strategic partnership. The Dutch have excellent expertise in this area, and there are similarities with the dyke in the North of the Netherlands related to the Kalpasar project. Both Prime Ministers are scheduled to visit the site tomorrow. They also discussed enhancing defense relations, including advancing the defense industrial cooperation and the memorandum of understanding signed last year, along with the Netherlands’ participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, a crucial initiative fostering partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The Secretary further emphasized the focus on trade and investment, which will create opportunities for businesses and contribute significantly to job creation in a developed India. He specifically mentioned the Tata-ASML agreement signed today, which is a game-changing deal that will bolster efforts to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India and create high-skilled jobs.
Regarding the special discussions between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten, Sibi George noted, “Topics such as the Make in India initiative, supply vessels, and long-term economic growth were discussed during meetings and business engagements, which are essential. Connecting Indian ports with Dutch ports is another vital project. The agricultural supply chain and green hydrogen were also key areas of discussion, as India is emphasizing green hydrogen, and the Netherlands is aligned in this effort.”
Sibi George also mentioned that discussions included semiconductors, robotics, AI, research across various sectors, startups, co-creation, and value chains, with many companies focusing on talent, which is another critical point: innovate in India, for India, and for the world. These were some of the discussions; India is seen as a talent engine. Key points included talent partnerships, global mobility, and skills.
He added, “Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten addressed a CEO roundtable with top Dutch industry leaders. Sixteen top CEOs from sectors like semiconductors, maritime, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics participated. I observed that each of them focused on several identified areas where we have made progress.”
The Secretary also noted, “The Netherlands is returning two sets of copper plates, 21 large and three small, featuring the royal charters of Emperor Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola I, which are a cultural treasure for us. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Development and Heritage.’ Following this, both Prime Ministers participated in signing the partnership agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML, which I mentioned earlier, supporting the semiconductor facility in Dholera.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed on the social media platform X, “These concrete and necessary outcomes will accelerate the friendship between India and the Netherlands. These results cover various sectors and will enhance growth and prosperity for our nations.”
Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi stated on X, “Economic cooperation is a crucial part of the friendship between India and the Netherlands. The free trade agreement between India and the EU offers countless opportunities. There is significant potential for collaboration in fintech, critical minerals, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and AI. We also discussed ways to enhance cultural cooperation and education.”
In another post on X, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Rob Jetten, saying, “I am very pleased to be in the Netherlands to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Over the past decade, the partnership between India and the Netherlands has made tremendous progress. Now is the time to contribute even more, so that the people of both our countries can benefit.”
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