The two countries have decided to set up a mechanism to explore potential future collaborations

Meeting for their 11th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on Monday, India and the Netherlands discussed the way forward in crucial sectors including water, agriculture, and health. They also took up science & technology, climate innovation and renewable technologies, according to information provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The consultations provided an opportunity to review the progress made in the bilateral ties in the last one year despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the MEA added.

With the Netherlands emerging as India’s third biggest export partner in Europe, both sides looked forward to the inaugural Joint Trade and Investment Committee Meeting next year to further intensify trade ties. They also agreed to institute a Policy Planning Dialogue which would help scan the horizon for potential future collaborations, the MEA said.

During the discussions, India and the Netherlands exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, European Union, United Nations and climate action. The Netherlands appreciated the invitation to G20 under India’s Presidency and looked forward to its participation.

The re-launch of FTA negotiations and Connectivity partnership between India and EU were acknowledged as key drivers by both countries. Both sides also committed to early implementation of the outcomes of the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in May 2021.

While noting the importance of regular bilateral exchanges at political and senior official levels, the two sides looked forward to holding the next FOC in 2023 in the Netherlands, the MEA said.

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West), MEA Sanjay Verma and the Dutch side was led by Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Paul Huijts. The previous FOC was held in November 2021 in The Hague.

India and the Netherlands share a strong bilateral relationship marked by regular exchanges at both political and official levels. This year the two countries are celebrating 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relationship.

To commemorate the milestone, President Ram Nath Kovind paid a State visit to the Netherlands in April 2022. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visited India in August this year in her capacity as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and G20 GPFI Honorary Patron.

These visits were preceded by the successful Virtual Summit held in April 2021 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mark Rutte when the Strategic Partnership on Water was launched.