NEW DELHI: India and the Netherlands have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to The Hague on Saturday. During the visit, PM Modi and his Dutch counterpart, Rob Jetten, signed 17 agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in sectors such as defense and critical minerals.
Following their discussions, the leaders unveiled a “strategic partnership roadmap” to strengthen ties in trade and investment, defense and security, and critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, space, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India outlined the key outcomes of PM Modi’s visit, which include:
India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2026-2030
- Prioritizes trade, defense, semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and maritime security.
- Aims to boost investments, create jobs, and enhance supply-chain resilience.
Restitution of Chola Copper Plates
- Chola-era artifacts will be returned to India.
- Expected to support cultural preservation and historical research.
Mobility and Migration Cooperation
- Eases visa norms for Indian students and professionals.
- Expands internship, study, and long-term work opportunities in the Netherlands.
Tata Electronics-ASML Cooperation
- A significant development for the semiconductor fabrication project in Dholera, Gujarat.
- Supports India’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions.
Cooperation in Critical Minerals
- Aims to strengthen supply chains and attract investment.
- Expected to enhance India’s mining and processing capabilities.
Technical Cooperation for Kalpasar Project
- Dutch expertise will support Gujarat’s mega water infrastructure project.
- The freshwater reservoir is anticipated to aid drinking water, irrigation, and industry.
Green Hydrogen Roadmap
- Expands India’s green hydrogen export opportunities in Europe.
- Expected to attract investments and create high-skilled jobs.
Joint Working Group on Renewable Energy
- Focuses on clean energy expansion and technology sharing.
- Anticipated to create opportunities in green industries.
Energy Transition Cooperation with NITI Aayog
- Joint projects on cleaner and diversified energy systems.
- Emphasizes energy security, innovation, and green job creation.
Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for Flowers in West Tripura
- Promotes floriculture and export opportunities.
- Expected to boost farmer incomes and regional development.
Indo-Dutch Dairy Training Centre in Bengaluru
- Concentrates on modern dairy practices and skill development.
- Aims to enhance dairy productivity and farmer earnings.
Cooperation in Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Includes training, internships, and disease-control initiatives.
- Expected to improve livestock health and dairy quality.
Health Collaboration Arrangement
- Focuses on public health research and scientific exchanges.
- Aims to enhance preparedness for future health challenges.
Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement
- Expected to facilitate smoother and safer bilateral trade.
- Focuses on revenue protection and fair trade practices.
Cooperation in Higher Education
- Promotes joint degree programs and academic exchanges.
- Anticipated to improve research output and skill development.
Collaboration between Nalanda University and University of Groningen
- Focuses on student exchanges and collaborative research.
- Aims to strengthen international academic partnerships.
Collaboration between Leiden University Libraries and the Archaeological Survey of India
- Emphasizes Chola history research and cultural preservation.
- Expected to enhance India’s cultural diplomacy and heritage awareness.
