The Hague, May 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to enhance mutual relations with the Netherlands into a strategic partnership. In a discussion with his Dutch counterpart, Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Modi emphasized the importance of relying on like-minded and crucial partners like India during the current period of international uncertainty.
Prime Minister Jetten stated on the social media platform X, “Both India and the Netherlands value a democratic world order based on good governance, rules, and justice. In my discussion with Prime Minister Modi, we addressed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to rising energy prices. Like the Netherlands, India has also been adversely affected. Therefore, it is essential to resolve this conflict and find a definitive solution. We also discussed the case of Insia, who was abducted by her biological father and trafficked to India.”
Insia, a three-year-old girl, was taken by her biological father from the Netherlands to Germany and then illegally brought to India in September 2016 when she was just two years old. A lengthy legal battle ensued in both countries, with the Bombay High Court ordering the return of the child to her mother. However, the father’s refusal to return her has complicated the matter internationally.
In a post on X, PM Modi shared, “My conversation with Prime Minister Rob Jetten was extensive and covered various issues, including defense and security. I discussed the possibility of creating an action plan for the defense industry as soon as possible. We can also collaborate in sectors such as space travel, maritime systems, and maritime security.”
Modi further emphasized, “A crucial part of the friendship between India and the Netherlands is economic cooperation. The free trade agreement between India and the EU offers countless opportunities. There is significant potential for collaboration in fintech, critical minerals, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and AI. We also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in cultural and educational fields.”
Meanwhile, PM Jetten remarked, “The friendship between India and the Netherlands is flourishing, as evidenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. This relationship is reaching new heights through our agreement to build a strategic partnership, which has already proven beneficial. This weekend, our countries will sign several letters of intent covering defense cooperation, the development of essential new technologies and innovations, healthcare, and water management.”
PM Jetten added, “ASML and Tata Electronics have also signed a declaration that marks an important step towards closer collaboration in the semiconductor sector. This is based on the significant historical trade agreement that India and the EU reached earlier this year. In short, we are making great strides in our cooperation, and it truly is a win-win situation.”
Following the official discussions, 14 agreements and MOUs were signed in the fields of technology, green energy, trade, mobility, WAH, education, and culture. A joint statement and roadmap for the strategic partnership were adopted during PM Modi’s visit to The Hague, where he invited Jetten to visit India, an invitation that was accepted.
The strong bilateral relationship between India and the Netherlands is based on shared democratic values and multifaceted cooperation across various sectors. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Modi’s visit to the Netherlands marks a significant milestone in this partnership.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
