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David van Weel stressed in an exclusive interview with News18 that as two great democracies, the Netherlands and India must have an honest dialogue on internal challenges.
One of the central pillars of the visit was the expansion of the partnership in the field of semiconductors. Image/X
During his two-day official visit to India on December 18 and 19, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel held high-level discussions in New Delhi and Mumbai, signaling a “next level” shift in the strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands.
The visit aimed to move beyond traditional sectors like agriculture and water to focus on high technology, defense and global trade resilience.
On democracy and shared values: fighting intolerance
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, David van Weel stressed that as two great democracies, the Netherlands and India must have an honest dialogue on internal challenges. He condoled the Pahalgam terror attack in April and also touched on the sensitive issue of ‘migrants and refugees’ which has confounded many countries.
“The Netherlands and India must understand what kind of intolerance we cannot accept in our democracies,” the minister said.
His remarks highlighted the “shared democratic values” that form the foundation of the bilateral relationship, suggesting that maintaining democratic integrity is essential for long-term strategic stability and innovation.
On technology and semiconductors: betting on Indian labor
One of the central pillars of the visit was the expansion of the partnership in the field of semiconductors. Van Weel highlighted India’s burgeoning potential as a global technology hub, citing its highly skilled “workforce” and the presence of Dutch industrial leaders.
The labor advantage: He hailed India’s “immense workforce” and high level of education as key assets.
Presence in the industry: He cited the visit of Dutch semiconductor giants, particularly to NXP Semiconductors’ facilities in Noida, to illustrate how the Netherlands is already boosting production and talent in India.
Strategic change: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar echoed David van Weel, saying the relationship is ready for a “more ambitious phase” involving digital technology, cyberspace and life sciences.
On trade and global politics: rejecting ‘Trump’s tariff approach’
Addressing the changing global economic landscape in his interview with CNN-News18, David van Weel made clear the Netherlands’ commitment to free trade, comparing it to the protectionist rhetoric of the new US administration.
Tariff position: He said: “We do not support Trump’s tariff approach to trade,” reaffirming that the Netherlands was founded on the principles of free trade.
India-EU FTA: He expressed keen hope for the early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is currently in a “decisive phase”. He argued that such agreements with “like-minded partners” are now more essential than ever to ensure resilient and self-sustaining supply chains.
Defense and future commitments
The visit also saw the signing of a letter of intent on defense cooperation with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. This agreement sets a roadmap for the co-development and co-production of niche military technologies, particularly in the maritime domain.
The Dutch minister’s visit serves as a precursor to Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s planned trip to India in February 2026 for the AI Impact Summit, where a large delegation of Dutch CEOs is expected to further cement these tech-heavy ties.
December 20, 2025, 00:14 IST
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