India and Netherlands discuss strategic partnership in key sectors
| 2024-12-19
India and the Netherlands have a partnership to clean the Ganges River through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (File).
Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure in engaging with Prime Minister Schoof, reiterating India's commitment to strengthening ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Wednesday (December 18, 2024), marking a significant step forward in India-Netherlands relations. The conversation underscored the strong partnership between the two nations, built on shared democratic values and a commitment to the rule of law.
During the call, the leaders emphasised the trusted and valued relationship between India and the Netherlands. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in critical areas, including water management, agriculture, healthcare, trade, defense, security, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and innovation. Both leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral partnership to a strategic level, fostering deeper collaboration across diverse sectors.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure in engaging with Prime Minister Schoof, reiterating India's commitment to strengthening ties. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “The Netherlands is a trusted & valued partner. We are committed to advancing and providing a strategic dimension to bilateral ties in diverse sectors, including water, agriculture, security, technology, semiconductors, and renewable energy.”
The two leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties through education and cultural exchanges. With over 200 Dutch companies operating in India and a similar number of Indian firms in the Netherlands, including major IT and pharmaceutical giants, the relationship between the two nations is marked by robust economic and cultural linkages.
The Netherlands has emerged as India’s third-largest export destination, surpassing major markets like the UK, Hong Kong, and Germany. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s exports to the Netherlands increased by 3.5% to USD 22.36 billion, while the overall bilateral trade stood at USD 27.34 billion. Key export commodities include petroleum products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electrical goods.
The Netherlands’ strategic position as a gateway to Europe, with efficient ports and connectivity, has significantly contributed to its role as a hub for Indian exports.
Both leaders discussed avenues for collaboration in green energy and emerging technologies. The Netherlands’ commitment to renewable energy aligns with India’s ambitious green hydrogen initiatives, creating opportunities for joint ventures and innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to semiconductors and technology, healthcare cooperation remains a priority. The leaders explored strategies to address global challenges in these sectors.
During the call, the leaders emphasised the trusted and valued relationship between India and the Netherlands. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in critical areas, including water management, agriculture, healthcare, trade, defense, security, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and innovation. Both leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral partnership to a strategic level, fostering deeper collaboration across diverse sectors.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his pleasure in engaging with Prime Minister Schoof, reiterating India's commitment to strengthening ties. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “The Netherlands is a trusted & valued partner. We are committed to advancing and providing a strategic dimension to bilateral ties in diverse sectors, including water, agriculture, security, technology, semiconductors, and renewable energy.”
The two leaders highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties through education and cultural exchanges. With over 200 Dutch companies operating in India and a similar number of Indian firms in the Netherlands, including major IT and pharmaceutical giants, the relationship between the two nations is marked by robust economic and cultural linkages.
The Netherlands has emerged as India’s third-largest export destination, surpassing major markets like the UK, Hong Kong, and Germany. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s exports to the Netherlands increased by 3.5% to USD 22.36 billion, while the overall bilateral trade stood at USD 27.34 billion. Key export commodities include petroleum products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electrical goods.
The Netherlands’ strategic position as a gateway to Europe, with efficient ports and connectivity, has significantly contributed to its role as a hub for Indian exports.
Both leaders discussed avenues for collaboration in green energy and emerging technologies. The Netherlands’ commitment to renewable energy aligns with India’s ambitious green hydrogen initiatives, creating opportunities for joint ventures and innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
In addition to semiconductors and technology, healthcare cooperation remains a priority. The leaders explored strategies to address global challenges in these sectors.
The call also touched upon pressing regional and global developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Schoof emphasized the Netherlands' dedication to peace and stability, a sentiment echoed by PM Modi. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting global security cooperation and addressing shared challenges through multilateral efforts.
A New Chapter in Dutch-Indian Relations
Prime Minister Dick Schoof, whose government took office in July 2024, has signaled a renewed focus on strengthening ties with India.
In his first interaction with PM Modi, Schoof expressed optimism about deepening the bilateral relationship. Sharing his thoughts on X, he wrote, “I just had my first phone call with Prime Minister @narendramodi of India. We spoke about further strengthening the good relations between the Netherlands and India and about opportunities to work together more closely through a strategic partnership in areas like security, water, green hydrogen, agriculture, semiconductors, and healthcare.”
India and the Netherlands have enjoyed a robust partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1947. Over the decades, the relationship has grown to encompass significant political, economic, and cultural dimensions. The Netherlands is among India’s top trading partners in Europe and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2023-24, the Netherlands invested USD 5 billion in India, reflecting its confidence in India’s economic potential.
The presence of Dutch companies such as Philips, Akzo Nobel, DSM, KLM, and Rabobank in India and Indian firms like TCS, Infosys, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Tata Steel in the Netherlands highlights the depth of economic ties between the two nations.
India and the Netherlands have a ‘Strategic Water Partnership which was signed in 2022. The Netherlands is also partnering with India to clean the Ganges River through the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
The discussion between PM Modi and PM Schoof signals a shared vision for a dynamic and strategic partnership. With a focus on green energy, technological innovation, and sustainable development, the two nations are poised to tackle global challenges and unlock new opportunities for collaboration.
As both leaders agreed to remain in touch, the future of India-Netherlands relations looks promising, characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to global peace and prosperity.
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