NEW DELHI: India and the Netherlands on Friday discussed ways to deepen cooperation in strategic areas such as semiconductors, cyberspace and technology, with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar seeking support from his Dutch counterpart David van Weel for concluding the free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU).
Van Weel, who began his India visit by flying to Mumbai on Wednesday, also focused on deepening defense and security cooperation in meetings with Jaishankar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The two sides concluded a letter of intent on Thursday aimed at providing a framework for defense cooperation.
Jaishankar noted that the two sides have strong cooperation in traditional areas such as agriculture, health, science and shipping, but new areas offer opportunities to “raise the ambition of our relationship.”
“Whether it’s semiconductor, digital, cyberspace or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you,” he added.
With India and the EU in the final stages of negotiations for a trade deal expected to be signed in January, Jaishankar said: “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 told a small group of journalists after his meetings that he was unaware of any “big sticking points” that could delay the India-EU FTA.
“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 said.
However, he acknowledged that trade negotiations are “very complicated” and “continue until the last moment”. He added: “It’s never easy, the EU is made up of 27 countries with different economies and interests, so all free trade deals take time to come to fruition. »
Van Weel said his discussions with Indian leaders focused on regional stability, the Indo-Pacific and cooperation in a rapidly changing world, particularly at a time when there is “pressure on opening the oceans and joining UNCLOS” (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
“The Netherlands depends on the high seas and the free passage of trade to thrive as an open economy,” he said. “This is something we want to cooperate on.”
As part of efforts to step up defense cooperation, a Dutch frigate will call at Kochi in May 2026, said Van Weel, who visited the Western Naval Command and the Mazagon Shipyard in Mumbai to explore the possibility of defense industrial cooperation.
Jaishankar and Van Weel also discussed developments in Ukraine, South Asia, West Asia and other regional and global issues. Both sides also condemned all forms of terrorism and stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to combat this threat.
Van Weel described Russia’s war in Ukraine as an “existential security issue” for Europe. “Ukraine cannot lose this war (because) Russia would then control Ukrainian territory and pose a lasting threat to the security of the European continent,” he said.
Referring to the US-led negotiations to find a lasting solution to the conflict, he said: “I have asked my counterparts to use their contacts with Russia to give them the message to come to the negotiating table and I hope we can find a solution on this.” »
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof is expected to visit India next February for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The Dutch side reiterated its invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit the Netherlands to strengthen bilateral relations.
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