New Delhi (India), December 19 (ANI): India and the Netherlands on Friday held discussions to further strengthen cooperation in key strategic areas including semiconductors, cyberspace and advanced technology, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking Netherlands support for early conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The talks took place during the visit of Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, who also met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. During these engagements, both sides focused on expanding defense and security cooperation and concluded a letter of intent on Thursday aimed at providing a structured framework for collaboration in the defense sector.
Highlighting the breadth of bilateral relations, Jaishankar said India and the Netherlands already enjoyed strong cooperation in areas such as agriculture, health, science and shipping, while emerging sectors offered new opportunities. Referring to areas for the future, he said it was possible to “raise the ambition of our relations”.
“Whether it’s semiconductor, digital, cyberspace or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you,” he said.
Linking bilateral cooperation to India’s engagement with Europe, Jaishankar spoke of the advanced stage of negotiations between India and the EU on a trade deal. “We count on your support as we move towards what I hope will be a decisive phase in our negotiations with the EU on the free trade agreement,” he said.
Discussions also covered regional and global developments, including the situation in Ukraine, South Asia and West Asia. Both sides condemned all forms of terrorism and stressed the need for enhanced international cooperation to address this challenge.
During the discussions, 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 efforts to resolve 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.”
The Dutch side also said that Prime Minister Dick Schoof is expected to visit India next February to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He reiterated his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the Netherlands as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations. (ANI)
About The Author
