India, Netherlands Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership
The Hague (Netherlands) , May 17 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten on Sunday decided to elevate India-Netherlands relations to a “Strategic Partnership” following wide-ranging talks held at the Catshuis, the Dutch Prime Minister’s official residence in The Hague.
The two leaders agreed to adopt an ambitious Roadmap for Strategic Partnership aimed at deepening cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, emerging and critical technologies, maritime affairs, renewable energy and education.
The leaders noted growing convergence and expanding cooperation between the two countries and highlighted increasing opportunities for Dutch companies arising from India’s economic growth.
Both Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over progress in bilateral cooperation driven by sustained high-level engagements and agreed to intensify collaboration in Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH), particularly through large-scale water management projects.
The two sides also welcomed expanding cooperation in healthcare research, digital health, agriculture and food safety.
During the talks, Modi and Jetten stressed the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties and called for the early signing and implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, artificial intelligence and semiconductors, and encouraged organising youth hackathons involving participants from both countries.
The two Prime Ministers highlighted the importance of partnerships in green hydrogen, biofuels, green shipping and maritime logistics to support sustainable development and renewable energy goals.
They also welcomed initiatives to strengthen mobility partnerships and higher education cooperation, including an agreement between Nalanda University and University of Groningen.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the Dutch Government for facilitating the return of 11th-century Chola artefacts to India and welcomed collaboration between Leiden University Libraries and the Archaeological Survey of India on research related to the artefacts.
Following the talks, the two countries signed 14 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in areas including technology, green energy, trade, mobility, education and culture.
Prime Minister Modi also invited Prime Minister Jetten to visit India, which he accepted.
TNT KS
