India, Netherlands Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership

• India and Netherlands elevate ties to Strategic Partnership
• Leaders adopt roadmap for cooperation across key sectors
• 14 agreements signed in technology, energy, trade and education
• Focus laid on AI, semiconductors, green hydrogen and maritime cooperation

GG News Bureau
THE HAGUE, 17th May: PM Narendra Modi and Dutch PM Rob Jetten on Friday elevated India-Netherlands relations to a “Strategic Partnership” following wide-ranging official talks held at the Catshuis in The Hague.

The two leaders adopted an ambitious roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, emerging technologies, renewable energy, maritime logistics and education.

According to an official statement, both Prime Ministers highlighted growing convergence and trust between the two countries and agreed to further expand strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.

The leaders noted that India’s growth story offered significant business and investment opportunities for Dutch companies and welcomed the expansion of partnerships in innovation and technology.

During the discussions, Modi and Jetten also emphasised cooperation in Water, Agriculture and Health under the existing WAH partnership framework and agreed to intensify collaboration on large-scale water projects.

The two sides reviewed progress in healthcare research, digital health, agriculture and food safety cooperation.

The leaders also underlined the importance of an early conclusion and implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, saying it would unlock transformative economic opportunities for both sides.

India and the Netherlands further agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals to support resilient and diversified global supply chains.

In the technology sector, the two Prime Ministers called for enhanced collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and innovation ecosystems, including hackathons involving youth from both countries.

Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to renewable energy cooperation, especially in green hydrogen, biofuels, green shipping and maritime logistics.

The leaders welcomed new initiatives aimed at boosting mobility partnerships and higher education collaboration, including an agreement between Nalanda University and University of Groningen.

Highlighting cultural cooperation, Modi thanked the Dutch government for facilitating the return of 11th-century Chola artefacts to India.

The leaders also welcomed collaboration between Leiden University Library and the Archaeological Survey of India to promote research on historical artefacts.

Following the talks, India and the Netherlands signed 14 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in areas including technology, green energy, mobility, trade, culture and education.

Prime Minister Modi invited Rob Jetten to visit India, which the Dutch Prime Minister accepted.