New Delhi: India and the Netherlands on Sunday decided to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to The Hague, signalling a major push to expand cooperation in technology, defence, trade, clean energy, and global security.
The decision was announced after delegation-level talks between Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during Modi’s two-day visit to the Netherlands on May 16 and 17.
The two leaders adopted a Strategic Partnership Roadmap aimed at deepening cooperation across a wide range of sectors, according to an official statement.
These include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cyber security, defence, maritime development, renewable energy, space, healthcare, agriculture, education, and climate action.
During the visit, Modi also met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
A key highlight of the visit was the growing focus on advanced technologies and semiconductor collaboration. Both countries signed an agreement on semiconductors and emerging technologies, while institutions from both sides also announced partnerships involving research, talent exchange, and innovation.
Indian institutes, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IISc Bengaluru, will collaborate with Dutch universities and companies such as ASML, NXP Semiconductors, and Tata Group.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation. A Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation was signed to boost collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, training, and industrial partnerships. The leaders also discussed maritime security, cyber threats, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Jetten strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism. Both sides called for zero tolerance against terrorism and urged stronger international action against terror financing and safe havens.
India and the Netherlands also expanded cooperation in clean energy and sustainability. The Netherlands joined the Global Biofuel Alliance launched during India’s G20 Presidency, while both countries unveiled a roadmap for Green Hydrogen cooperation.
They also discussed circular economy initiatives, sustainable transport, and renewable energy investments.
Water management remained another important area of cooperation. The two sides reviewed progress under the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water, including projects linked to the Namami Gange mission, urban water resilience, and river management.
A Centre of Excellence on Water at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi was also welcomed.
Trade and investment featured prominently during the talks. Both leaders welcomed the growth in bilateral trade and noted that the Netherlands continues to be one of India’s major investment partners in Europe. They also backed stronger startup collaboration and innovation exchanges between companies from both countries.
The leaders welcomed the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year, saying it would strengthen economic ties and support rules-based global trade.
The visit also saw progress in cultural cooperation. The leaders also supported greater collaboration in museums, heritage preservation, and maritime history projects linked to Lothal in Gujarat.
On global issues, the two leaders discussed the wars in Ukraine and West Asia. They stressed the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law. Both sides also reiterated support for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Jetten to visit India, while both leaders expressed confidence that the newly announced Strategic Partnership would open a broader phase of cooperation between the two countries.
