India and the Netherlands held the 13th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, reviewing the progress of their multifaceted partnership and charting a course for deeper cooperation across critical sectors. The discussions focused on elevating collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, as well as strengthening ties in science and technology, green hydrogen, shipping, defence, security and the long-standing Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH) agenda.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to adding a strategic dimension to the relationship, backed by the increasing frequency of high-level interactions. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, these engagements have contributed to sustained momentum in the bilateral partnership.
The consultations were led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA, and Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting offered an opportunity to assess ongoing collaboration and explore new areas of engagement in line with evolving global priorities.
India reaffirmed the significance of the Netherlands as a major economic partner in Europe. The two delegations acknowledged the steady growth in bilateral trade and investment and stressed the importance of concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement within the year, a target endorsed by leaders during the EU College of Commissioners’ visit earlier in the year. The discussions also covered regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism, where India reiterated its zero-tolerance approach.
People-to-people ties also featured prominently, with both sides recognising the Indian community in the Netherlands as an important bridge that strengthens cultural exchanges and contributes meaningfully to the Dutch economy. The officials underscored the value of such connections in fostering long-term goodwill between the two countries.
The MEA highlighted the Foreign Office Consultations as a key institutional mechanism for reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. Both countries agreed to continue the dialogue at regular intervals and plan the next round of consultations in the Netherlands.
India and the Netherlands share a strong relationship rooted in democratic values and decades of cooperation. Their Strategic Partnership on Water remains a cornerstone, encompassing collaboration in flood management, clean water technologies and sustainable solutions. The two countries have also expanded their cooperation in renewable energy, innovation and digital technologies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof recently met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation. Modi noted the rapid progress in sectors such as water resources, energy and technology, while Schoof highlighted the Netherlands’ role as one of the largest investors in India and expressed interest in further expanding bilateral investments. Schoof also confirmed his participation in the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next year, signalling the growing importance of technological collaboration.
Both sides expressed confidence that their partnership will continue to grow, driven by shared priorities, expanding economic engagement and a recognition of the need to work closely in a rapidly changing global landscape.
