NEW DELHI: India and the Netherlands on Friday agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging strategic areas such as semiconductors, digital technology and cyberspace, while also intensifying their engagement on defense and security, as Foreign Minister S Jaishankar pushed for Dutch support for concluding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
During his talks with his Dutch counterpart David van Weel, Jaishankar said the relationship, traditionally strong in areas such as agriculture, health, science and shipping, was ready for a more ambitious phase. “Whether it’s semiconductor, digital, cyber or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you,” he said.
With India and the EU in the final stages of negotiating a trade deal expected to be signed in January, Jaishankar added: “We count on your support as we move towards what I hope will be a decisive phase in our free trade agreement negotiations with the EU.” »
Van Weel, who began his India visit in Mumbai on Wednesday, said he was unaware of any “big sticking points” that could delay the deal. “I hope this will happen in the very near future. I know EU officials will be visiting India as guests on Republic Day, so I am sure everyone wants this to be concluded as soon as possible,” he later told reporters. At the same time, he acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, noting: “It’s never easy, the EU is made up of 27 nations with different economies and interests, so all free trade agreements take time to come to fruition.” »
About The Author
