Vast potential for cooperation between India and the Netherlands: MEA
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held bilateral discussions with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, highlighting the vast potential for collaboration between India and the Netherlands across multiple sectors.
The talks, held on Monday, focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, technology, education, and global strategic developments, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Tuesday.
During his first official visit to India, Veldkamp engaged in delegation-level talks with Jaishankar, reviewing the rapidly expanding partnership between the two nations.
“External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Foreign Minister Veldkamp on 31 March 2025, reviewing the growing bilateral cooperation in political exchanges, trade and investments, defence and security, innovation, culture, and people-to-people ties,” the MEA stated.
The discussions also explored emerging areas such as semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, and migration.
“They noted the vast potential for cooperation in semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education, and skilled workforce mobility, in addition to strengthening traditional sectors like water, agriculture, and health,” the statement added.
Following the meeting, EAM Jaishankar took to X, saying, “Delighted to meet FM Caspar Veldkamp of the Netherlands this evening. Discussed our growing bilateral cooperation, including in trade, investments, innovation, water, agriculture, health, security, and people-to-people ties.”
“Explored new possibilities in semiconductors, green hydrogen, education, and talent flows. Also spoke about global strategic developments and the significance of multipolarity,” he added.
Veldkamp echoed similar sentiments, posting on X, “A pleasure meeting with India FM S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. We had a fruitful conversation on opportunities to elevate our partnership, the changing geopolitical environment, and common ground in a multipolar world order.”
He further highlighted cooperation in global governance, critical technologies, and security while discussing international developments, including Ukraine, the transatlantic relationship, the Middle East, and China.
Apart from bilateral discussions, Veldkamp is also scheduled to meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit.
India and the Netherlands share a long-standing, trusted partnership, particularly in the water sector, which remains a key pillar of bilateral ties.
“The visit of FM Veldkamp will provide further impetus to our increasingly strong and expanding bilateral relations,” the MEA stated.
