External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to the Netherlands from May 19-20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the EU nation.
During his two-day visit, Minister Jaishankar met with HE Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, to discuss growing strategic convergences in the India-Netherlands relationship. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in various sectors, including trade and economy, science and technology, water, agriculture, health, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
The Ministers also discussed ways to increase collaboration in new and emerging sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and green hydrogen. This move is seen as a step towards further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, with Minister Jaishankar meeting with Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans to explore opportunities for enhanced defence and security ties.
In addition, Minister Jaishankar addressed leading strategic and international affairs experts from various think tanks in the Netherlands, discussing why India and the Netherlands/EU should engage more deeply in an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy. The visit also provided an opportunity for Minister Jaishankar to interact with representatives of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands.
This high-level visit comes within a month of the visit of Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp to India in April 2025, underscoring the commitment of both sides to regular and sustained engagement between the two countries. The successful exchange reflects the deepening of bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands, with both nations looking to strengthen their partnership in various areas.
The visit is a testament to the strong relationship between India and the EU, with both parties recognizing the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges. As Minister Jaishankar's visit demonstrates, the two nations are committed to fostering a stronger, more collaborative relationship that benefits both countries and promotes peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.