India and Netherlands to Elevate Relations to Strategic Partnership

India and the Netherlands have decided to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership amid significant shifts in global geopolitics. During talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, both nations signed 17 agreements to strengthen cooperation in defense, rare minerals, semiconductors, innovation, sustainability, and other key sectors.

Concerns Over Global Geopolitical Developments

On May 16, the leaders expressed deep concern over the situation in West Asia and its serious impact on the region and the wider world. They highlighted disruptions in global energy supplies and trade networks caused by ongoing tensions.

According to the joint statement, both leaders emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the uninterrupted movement of global commercial shipping. They opposed any restrictions on maritime movement and reaffirmed support for international efforts to ensure stability in the region.

Modi and Jetten also agreed to continue supporting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy based on the United Nations Charter and international law. Both countries expressed concern over the continuing conflict.

Prime Minister Modi on Strengthening Bilateral Relations

While departing for Sweden on May 17, Prime Minister Modi stated that his visit had given new momentum to India-Netherlands relations.

“From elevating our ties to a strategic partnership to expanding cooperation in water resources, semiconductors, innovation, defense, sustainability, and mobility, we have prepared an ambitious roadmap for the future,” Modi said.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten personally saw Prime Minister Modi off at the airport. Modi expressed confidence that the friendship between India and the Netherlands would become even stronger in the coming years.

Launch of Strategic Partnership Roadmap

Following the Modi-Jetten talks, both nations launched a Strategic Partnership Roadmap to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, defense and security, semiconductors, space, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.

The two leaders also launched the India-Netherlands Green Hydrogen Roadmap. They agreed to explore the establishment of a defense industrial roadmap through technology transfer and joint ventures aimed at joint production of defense equipment, systems, components, and other critical capabilities.

Key Areas of Cooperation

During the discussions, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in science and innovation, sustainable development, healthcare, agriculture, water management, climate change, energy transition, maritime development, and people-to-people ties.

A major agreement on migration and mobility was also finalized, which is expected to increase opportunities for Indians seeking employment and education in the European nation.

Modi and Jetten welcomed the initiative to connect the “Dutch Semiconductor Competence Center” with the Indian Semiconductor Mission to strengthen support and collaboration in the semiconductor sector.

Indo-Pacific and Global Security Issues

Discussing broader geopolitical developments, both leaders emphasized respect for international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and the importance of a free, open, peaceful, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region free from coercion and conflict.

These remarks come amid growing global concerns regarding China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the region.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the Netherlands for its continued support for reforms and expansion of the United Nations Security Council and for backing India’s permanent membership bid.

Prime Minister Jetten strongly condemned last year’s Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated unwavering support for India in combating all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.