1.
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi visited the Netherlands on 16–17 May 2026 at the
invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
2.
This
was Prime Minister Modi’s second official visit to the Netherlands.
3.
Prime
Minister Modi held bilateral talks with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima,
and Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague.
4.
India
and the Netherlands agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “Strategic
Partnership”.
5.
Both
countries adopted a Strategic Partnership Roadmap covering cooperation in
trade, defence, semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity, water management, energy
transition, agriculture, healthcare, education, and maritime development.
6.
The
leaders welcomed agreements signed in December 2025 in sectors including
defence, semiconductors, cyberspace, pharmaceuticals, and trade &
investment.
7.
The
Netherlands reaffirmed support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed
UN Security Council.
8.
Both
leaders welcomed the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement
negotiations in January 2026.
9.
The
Netherlands announced its decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
(IPOI) and co-lead the Capacity Building & Resource Sharing pillar.
10. India and the Netherlands emphasized a
free, open, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
11. Both sides expressed concern over the
Ukraine conflict and supported dialogue and diplomacy for a lasting peace.
12. The leaders also expressed concern over
the West Asia situation and supported freedom of navigation through the Strait
of Hormuz.
13. Both countries highlighted strong
bilateral trade and investment ties and opportunities arising from the India-EU
FTA.
14. The Netherlands was described as a key
gateway to Europe for Indian exporters through the Port of Rotterdam.
15. Both sides signed an Agreement on Mutual
Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters to strengthen customs cooperation
and facilitate legitimate trade.
16. The two countries agreed to deepen
startup, innovation, and technology ecosystem collaboration.
17. India and the Netherlands signed a Letter
of Intent on Defence Cooperation.
18. Both countries agreed to expand defence
industrial collaboration through co-development, technology transfer, and joint
ventures.
19. The leaders agreed to strengthen
cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, counterterrorism, and critical
technologies.
20. The Netherlands strongly condemned the
terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and expressed solidarity
with India against terrorism.
21. Both sides reiterated a zero-tolerance
approach toward terrorism and called for action against terror financing and
safe havens.
22. India and the Netherlands signed an MoU on
Semiconductors and Related Emerging Technologies.
23. The Dutch Semicon
Competence Centre will collaborate with the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
24. Dutch universities partnered with IITs and
IISc Bengaluru for semiconductor research and talent development with
participation from ASML, NXP, Tata, and CG Semi.
25. Both countries signed an MoU on Higher
Education to strengthen academic collaboration.
26. The leaders welcomed growing cooperation
between Indian and Dutch universities and research institutions.
27. Both countries agreed to strengthen
cooperation in critical minerals and signed an MoU in this sector.
28. The Netherlands joined the Global Biofuel
Alliance launched during India’s G20 Presidency.
29. Both sides launched the India-Netherlands
Roadmap on Green Hydrogen Development.
30. Cooperation will expand in renewable
energy, circular economy, waste-to-value initiatives, and sustainable mobility.
31. A Joint Working Group on Renewable Energy
was established under the bilateral MoU.
32. Both countries reviewed progress under the
Strategic Partnership on Water.
33. Cooperation includes river management,
wastewater reuse, delta management, and climate-resilient urban water systems.
34. A Centre of Excellence on Water was
established at IIT Delhi with Dutch collaboration.
35. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation
on Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project.
36. India and the Netherlands agreed to
develop a “Green and Digital Sea Corridor”.
37. Cooperation will focus on sustainable
ports, inland waterways, maritime security, and resilient supply chains.
38. Both countries renewed the MoU on
Healthcare and Public Health.
39. Cooperation will expand in digital health,
infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceuticals, and medical
devices.
40. India’s ICMR and the Dutch RIVM signed a
Letter of Intent on disease surveillance and public health cooperation.
41. Both countries agreed to strengthen
cooperation in agriculture, dairy, horticulture, food processing, and agri-tech.
42. An Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence on
Dairy Training will be established in Bengaluru.
43. Both sides welcomed cooperation on Clean
Plant Centres for horticulture and disease-free planting material.
44. Food safety cooperation was strengthened
through an MoU between FSSAI and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product
Safety Authority.
45. India and the Netherlands signed an MoU on
Migration and Mobility.
46. Both sides agreed to facilitate fair
mobility of skilled professionals and combat irregular migration.
47. The leaders emphasized strengthening
cultural ties through exhibitions, heritage cooperation, and museum
partnerships.
48. The Netherlands returned Chola-era copper
plates from Leiden University to India.
49. Both countries signed an MoU for
cooperation in the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
50. Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister
Rob Jetten to visit India.
India-Netherlands
Joint Statement on the visit of Prime Minister of India to Netherlands
At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Rob Jetten,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Netherlands on 16-17
May 2026. This marked Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Netherlands.
In the morning of May 16, Prime Minister Modi was hosted by Their Majesties
King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at the Royal Palace Huis
ten Bosch in the Hague for a bilateral meeting. Their Majesties also hosted a luncheon
for Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Jetten and Prime Minister Modi met for restricted and delegation
level talks, followed by a dinner in the evening of May 16. Both Prime Ministers
recalled the longstanding and historical trade linkages, deep rooted people-to-people
ties and robust bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed their
desire for further expanding and deepening this multifaceted relationship. In this
context, the two leaders noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in recent
years across various cooperation programmes through regular interactions, including
at the highest political level and through the fruitful collaboration during India’s
Presidency of the G20 in 2023 and the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February
2026.
Acknowledging the strong momentum in the relationship and the growing convergences
between the two countries, the two leaders decided to elevate the relations between
India and the Netherlands to a 'Strategic Partnership'. In this context, they welcomed
the adoption of a Strategic Partnership Roadmap under which both sides agreed to
work through regular and structured cooperation in all areas, including political,
trade and investment, defence & security cooperation, cyber security, critical
& emerging technologies including semiconductors, space, AI & quantum system,
science & innovation, sustainability, health, sustainable agriculture and food
systems, water management, climate change and energy transition, sustainable transport,
maritime development, education, culture and people-to-people ties. The two sides
also agreed to explore exchanges in the domain of policy planning.
Both leaders welcomed in this regard the agreements concluded in December
2025 across different priority sectors, such as on defence, semiconductors and related
emerging technologies, enhanced cooperation in digital and cyberspace, collaboration
in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the establishment of a Joint Trade and Investment
Committee, as well as the cooperation between the maritime museums in Lothal and
Amsterdam.
The two leaders noted the Pact for the Future and reaffirmed their commitment
to upholding shared values and principles including democracy, human rights, international
peace and security, and a rules-based international order in line with the purposes
and principles of the UN Charter. Both governments also underscored their commitment
to strengthen and reform the multilateral system including expansion of both permanent
and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council to reflect
contemporary realities and called for text-based negotiations within a fixed timeframe.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jetten for the continued Dutch support
to India’s permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-EU Strategic
Partnership and welcomed in this regard the conclusion of negotiations for a mutually
beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement in January this year. They agreed that
the free trade agreement will strengthen political and economic ties between the
world's second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions
and global economic challenges and highlight the joint commitment to economic openness
and rules-based trade. The two leaders further welcomed the simultaneous signing
of the Security and Defence partnership that will strengthen EU and India’s dialogue
and cooperation on security and defence, and deliver concrete results in areas such
as maritime security, cyber, counterterrorism and defence industrial collaboration.
The leaders agreed on the importance of a free, open, secure and peaceful
lndo-Pacific, based on respect for international law,
sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and absence of coercion
and conflicts. Recalling the EU Strategy on the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Jetten
announced the decision of the Netherlands to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
(IPOI) and co-lead the Capacity Building & Resource Sharing pillar along with
Germany and the European Union.
On Ukraine, the two sides expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues
to cause immense human suffering and carries global consequences. Both leaders agreed
to continue to support efforts towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just,
and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, based on the principles
of the UN Charter and international law.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the situation in West Asia / the
Middle East, noting its serious implications for the region and the wider world,
including immense human suffering and disruptions to global energy supplies and
trade networks. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire announced on 08 April 2026. They
underscored the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy and expressed
hope for lasting peace in West Asia / the Middle East. They also called for freedom
of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing
any restrictive measures, and reaffirmed their support for ongoing efforts and initiatives
in this regard.
Economic Cooperation, Trade & Investment
Both leaders noted that the Netherlands–India economic partnership stands
out as a model of cooperation, driven by shared priorities such as sustainability,
innovation, and long-term growth, creating mutual prosperity for both nations. They
welcomed the growth in bilateral trade between the two countries, supported by efficient
supply chains and shared commitment to open markets. The Netherlands, with its world
class logistics network also serves as a strategic gateway to Europe for Indian
exporters, including via its Port of Rotterdam whilst India offers a vast and dynamic
market for Dutch companies who will also benefit significantly from upscaling opportunities,
its business friendly environment, and the availability
of a vast and skilled talent pool in India. At the same time, Indian businesses
can leverage advanced Dutch expertise, particularly in water management, sustainable
agriculture, and smart cities.
Expressing satisfaction with the existing economic collaboration between
the two countries, the leaders emphasized the immense potential for further growth
particularly in light of opportunities arising from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
The Netherlands continues to remain one of India’s major trade and investment partners,
reflecting the depth and resilience of the bilateral economic ties.
In order to further facilitate trade and investment, the Prime Ministers
welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs
Matters, enabling the exchange of information between the customs authorities of
the countries and thus contributing to enhanced customs enforcement and the facilitation
of legitimate trade between India and the Netherlands.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing bilateral trade
and investment through, amongst others, the India–Netherlands Joint Trade and Investment
Committee and the Fast Track Mechanism. They agreed to focus on enhancing investment
facilitation and strengthening innovation ecosystems to support sustainable growth,
job creation and resilient value chains.
Both Prime Ministers underscored the strong potential for cooperation in
startups and innovation, noting that solutions developed in India and the Netherlands
can scale globally, including across Indian and EU markets. They agreed to further
connect both countries’ startup ecosystems, facilitate exchanges, and explore digital
soft-landing programmes, as well as increased participation in trade missions, innovation
missions and technology summits.
Defence & Security Cooperation
Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation
and emphasized the importance of deepening of the defence cooperation between the
two countries including through regular interaction between respective Ministries
of Defence and staff level talks, to coordinate exchanges of information, visits,
research, innovation and training activities. They also concurred to move towards
further expanding the scope of Defence Industrial Cooperation between the two countries.
Both leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in the defence sector, under
EU mechanisms and with other partners, and will explore possibilities of establishing
a Defense Industrial Roadmap in which defence industrial
collaboration for manufacturing of defence equipment, systems, components and other
key capabilities through co-development, transfer of technology and setting up of
joint ventures for co-production towards meeting the needs of the Armed Forces of
both countries are laid down.
The leaders agreed to further enhance the security co-operation, including
through regular exchanges between the National Security Apparatus of both countries
on traditional and non-traditional security issues, including defence, maritime
security, economic security, critical and emerging technologies, cyber security,
counter terrorism and other mutually agreed matters of international security.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the annual bilateral cyber consultations
as well as noted the holding of 8th session of the online cyber school, as means
to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries to ensure an open, free
and secure cyberspace. In this context, the leaders welcomed the signing of the
Letter of Intent on enhanced collaboration in cyberspace, including closer coordination
in multilateral fora and joint efforts on countering cyber threats and cybercrime
through capacity building and the exchange of knowledge.
Both leaders underlined the importance of an open, free, secure, stable,
accessible and peaceful ICT environment, which is seen as an enabler for innovation
and economic growth and innovation. In this regard Prime Minister Modi thanked the
Netherlands for its constructive participation in the AI Impact Summit that took
place on 19 February 2026 in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Jetten strongly condemned the heinous and abhorrent terrorist
attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India in April 2025 and expressed
Netherlands’ solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against terrorism,
including cross-border terrorism and the two leaders called for holding the perpetrators
accountable. The two Prime Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its
forms and manifestations. They called for zero tolerance approach to terrorism and
rejected double standards in countering terrorism.
The two leaders reaffirmed the need to combat terrorism in a comprehensive
and sustained manner through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including
in the UN and the FATF. They further called for concerted action against all terrorists
and terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee and their proxies, affiliates, sponsors,
backers and financiers. Both sides also called upon all countries to continue to
work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure as well as to
disrupt terrorist networks and their financing and bring perpetrators of terrorism
to justice swiftly, in accordance with international law. Prime Minister Jetten
expressed support for India’s endeavors to establish a
UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).
Both leaders noted with concern the growing threats from the use of new and
emerging technologies for terrorist purposes such as unmanned aircraft systems,
use of virtual assets by terrorists, and terrorist entities and the misuse of information
and communication technologies for radicalization.
Recognizing a shared commitment to combat terrorism and strengthen the framework
for global cooperation in this regard, both leaders emphasized the importance of
upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing
of terrorism by all countries.
Emerging technologies, Innovation, Science, and Education
Both leaders welcomed the signing of the MoU on a Partnership on Semiconductors
and Related Emerging Technology, which provides the framework for intensified cooperation
in semiconductors, including in the areas of investment, research and talent exchange.
Both leaders welcomed the ongoing cooperation in the field of science, technology
and innovation, focusing on launching public-private partnerships and connecting
the expertise of governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions, through the
already active Joint Working Group on Science, Technology and Innovation, which
facilitates joint R&D projects, talent mobility, and technology transfer, through
regular bilateral dialogues. Both leaders reflected on the almost fifty large research
and innovation programs which were jointly launched in the past years and underlined
the growing importance of continued collaboration in the domain of key enabling
technologies, aimed at addressing common societal challenges with shared solutions.
Both leaders also welcomed the initiative to connect the Dutch Semicon Competence Centre to the Indian Semiconductor Mission
(ISM), which aims to support and strengthen the semiconductor sector, specifically
industries, startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and their suppliers, through collaboration,
technology and talent development. Further both Prime Ministers expressed their
appreciation for the Indo-Dutch Semicon Online School
and its continuation for next phase.
The two leaders welcomed the adoption of a Memorandum of Cooperation between
Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Twente and six Indian leading
Technical Institutes (IISc Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT
Guwahati and IIT Madras) for a brain bridge in semiconductors and related technologies,
with industry partnership from NXP, ASML, TATA and CG Semi. This would catalyse
the R&D and talent development with academia and industry participation from
both sides.
Recognizing the strategic importance of critical minerals for continued innovation,
and the need for global cooperation to build resilient and sustainable supply chains,
the two leaders expressed their mutual interest in strengthening cooperation across
the critical minerals value chain, including exploration, research and innovation,
integration of value chains, supply chain resilience, circularity and ESG standards
and related assessments. In this context, the leaders welcomed the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals.
The two leaders also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
on Higher Education between the Ministry of Education of India and the Ministry
of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands to promote cooperation between
the higher education institutions of the two countries, in accordance with their
respective academic and educational priorities and needs.
Both leaders also expressed satisfaction at the on-going institutional cooperation
between Dutch and Indian universities including recent collaborations for example
between: University of Groningen and Nalanda University; Delft University of Technology
and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority; Survey of India and ITC,
University of Twente; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Indian Institute of Technology
Roorkee; and many more. Both leaders acknowledged that platforms like Indo-Dutch
Education & Academic Network can play a significant part to further strengthen
the educational and scientific collaboration.
Both leaders acknowledged the ongoing space partnership between India and
the Netherlands and the possibility for intensifying the same, specifically on using
space-based applications in addressing societal challenges including climate change,
water issues, food security as well as air quality.
Energy Security and Transition / Circular Economy
Noting the active bilateral cooperation in biofuels and bio-chemicals, Prime
Minister Modi welcomed the Netherlands joining the Global Biofuel Alliance that
was launched during India’s Presidency of the G20. The two Prime Ministers also
reaffirmed their commitment to work on bio-economy and reflected on the success
of Mission Innovation Program on Biorefineries, co-chaired by India and the Netherlands.
Acknowledging the ongoing cooperation on ‘waste to value’, the leaders noted
that the 2025 update of the Dutch National Circular Economy Programme 2023-2030
and the Indian presidency of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 will provide
the opportunity for expansion of the partnership in new areas. This includes industrial
circularity, solid and liquid waste management for sustainable and climate resilient
urban systems, by technology deployment in pilot and scalable projects, introduction
of innovation, and opportunities for trade and investment promotion, such as through
B2B partnerships for which Dutch companies were invited to join the Resource Efficiency
and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC). In the field of sustainable mobility,
cooperation may be deepened in areas such as smart and inter operable charging infrastructure,
battery technology and system integration, standardization and open protocols, heavy
and medium-heavy zero-emission vehicles, smart urban mobility systems and multimodal
integration, and, alternative fuels and active mobility.
With a view to further strengthening the partnership between India and the
Netherlands in the field of Renewable Energy, the two leaders welcomed the establishment
of a Joint Working Group under the Memorandum of Understanding on Renewable Energy
which provides ample scope for a diversified agenda for cooperation in renewable
energy, including innovative solar energy, green hydrogen, storage and investments
in the renewable energy sector to facilitate energy transition.
To further strengthen the cooperation and two-way investments on renewable
energy, the leaders launched the ambitious India-Netherlands Roadmap on the Development
of Green Hydrogen. The leaders agreed that the roadmap will help support India’s
ambition, vast potential and competitive advantages for production, usage and export
of Green Hydrogen while also contributing to a swifter adoption of Green Hydrogen
as a sustainable source of energy in both countries.
In addition to this, the renewal of the Joint Statement of Intent on Capacity
Building for Energy Transition between NITI Aayog and the Netherlands will ensure
continued collaboration in Energy Security and Transition areas.
The two leaders furthermore welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
between the University of Groningen (RUG) and 19 Indian Institutes for Technology
(IITs) to strengthen academic cooperation. They also welcomed the establishment
of a PhD Fellowship Programme on Hydrogen between the Department of Science and
Technology of India and RUG.
Water Management
The two leaders noted the progress made under the Strategic Partnership on
Water in building upon the synergies between the water related requirements of India
and the expertise and experience of the Netherlands. Both Prime Ministers appreciated
the joint efforts being undertaken in the field of water and river management, including
partnership in the Namami Gange Mission, urban water management for climate resilience
through Urban River Management Plans in combination with ‘Water as Leverage’, delta
management, water quality management, waste water re-use and introduction of new
water technologies. Both leaders emphasized the importance of safely managed sanitation
and inclusive access to clean water and acknowledged the contribution of the Netherlands
in sustainable finance for WASH related developmental projects internationally,
aligned with India’s Swachh Bharat Mission goals.
Both leaders welcomed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Water
under the aegis of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India in collaboration
with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, Government of the Netherlands
at the Indian Institute for Technology (IIT) Delhi. The leaders also noted the progress
under various ongoing joint programs in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,
West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Keralam.
Both leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation on the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat, where Dutch expertise and technical
assistance in the Project can lead to the further strengthening of Strategic Partnership
on Water.
The leaders noted the progress made so far on the Urban Water Infrastructure
Resilience program of the India-led global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CDRI), through which the Netherlands shares its expertise as part of its membership.
Both leaders look forward to the roll-out of the developed training program both
in Indian cities with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and globally
in others of the 50+ CDRI member countries.
Maritime development
The two Prime Ministers noted the recently renewed Memorandum of Understanding
on Maritime Cooperation and underscored the importance of continued collaboration
towards a safe, secure and sustainable maritime sector, supporting the development
of a strategic ‘Green and Digital Sea Corridor’ between India and the Netherlands,
as outlined in the Letter of Intent signed in October 2025. In this context, they
agreed to further deepen and broaden their partnership in the areas of smart and
sustainable development of ports and inland waterways, supply chain optimization
and green ports and shipping. As a next step, both Prime Ministers agreed to explore
developing a comprehensive 'Strategic Roadmap on a Green and Digital Sea Corridor'
which aims at working towards an environmentally sustainable, digitally integrated
and economically efficient future-ready maritime corridor between India and the
Netherlands.
Given the shared interest in global and regional maritime security, particularly
in the Indo-Pacific region, both Prime Ministers agreed to exchange best practices
– between relevant government entities, businesses and knowledge institutes – in
the field of protecting critical infrastructure including cyber resilience in ports
and inland waterways and promoting diversified and resilient supply chains (including
critical raw materials, medicine and food).
Health Sector
Both leaders emphasized the importance of scaling up bilateral cooperation
on health, particularly in addressing global public health risks such as infectious
diseases and anti-microbial resistance, as well as the growing impact of non-communicable
diseases. Both leaders agreed to encourage further cooperation in digital health
(including AI and cybersecurity) and capacity building. They welcomed the renewal
of the Memorandum of Understanding on Healthcare and Public Health and consideration
of new co-operation initiatives in areas such as women’s health, capacity development
for climate and health preparedness, and knowledge exchange on sustainable healthcare
systems in both countries. In the light of this renewed Memorandum of Understanding.
The two leaders also welcomed the recently signed Letter of Intent between the Dutch
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Indian Council
of Medical Research (ICMR), focusing on areas such as infectious diseases, vector-borne
diseases, One Health and disease surveillance.
Both leaders further underscored that, within the framework of the India-Netherlands
strategic partnership, enhanced focus will be given to collaboration in pharmaceuticals
and medical devices, to ensure high-quality, accessible, safe, and sustainable healthcare.
In 2026, the first Joint Working Group meeting will be convened under the newly
signed Memorandum of Understanding to discuss the implementation and further development
of the Memorandum of Understanding and its WorkPlan, and
to identify key opportunities for collaboration, including through academic cooperation,
regulatory cooperation, business engagement, and knowledge exchange on market access.
Agriculture & food systems
Both leaders noted with satisfaction the on-going India-Netherlands collaboration
in the field of agriculture, food systems and responsible value chains, including
the exchange of knowledge and experience sharing through the Joint Working Group
on Agriculture. The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Dutch companies in
India in the field of protected cultivation, food processing, dairy and poultry.
The leaders underscored the importance of leveraging the opportunities for co-operation
between Indian and Dutch companies related to the agricultural sector including
agri-tech.
The leaders reviewed the progress in setting up of Centers
of Excellence in agri-related sectors in India, with Dutch
expertise. These Centres are promoting technology in high-tech greenhouse agricultural
productions as well as improved agricultural inputs and capacity building for smallholder
farmers, leading to more sustainable and higher quality/productivity and reduced
water and agro-chemical use.
The leaders underscored their commitment to further enhancing the impact
and effectiveness of the Centers through continued collaboration
and knowledge exchange. They also agreed to explore expanded collaboration in vocational
education across various aspects of the food systems.
The leaders further welcomed the signing of a Joint Declaration between the
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands as well as the establishment
of an Indo-Dutch Center of Excellence on Training in Dairy
at the Center of Excellence for Animal Husbandry (CEAH),
Bengaluru. Both sides agreed to continue to explore cooperation in Dairy and other
allied agricultural sectors including food processing.
The leaders noted the work being undertaken, to boost Indian-Dutch cooperation
in horticulture for establishment of Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) under India’s ongoing
Clean Plant Programme in order to promote the availability of disease free, quality
planting material of high value horticultural and fruit crops for global competitiveness
of Indian Horticulture Sector. In this regard, the leaders welcomed the conclusion
of the Memorandum of Understanding on capacity building and support between Naktuinbouw and National Horticulture Board, Department of Agriculture
& Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India
Underscoring the importance of food safety and security, both leaders welcomed
the Memorandum of Understanding between Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety
Authority (NVWA) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
People-to-People Exchanges & Culture
The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the strong people-to-people ties which
represent an important pillar of the India-Netherlands relationship. Prime Minister
Jetten showed gratitude for the contribution made by the Indian community in the
Netherlands to Dutch society. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further facilitate
people-to-people contacts between the two countries, particularly through youth,
academia, professional workforce, sports, and cultural exchanges.
Noting the importance of facilitating fair migration and mobility between
the two countries, both leaders welcomed the signing the Memorandum of Understanding
on Migration and Mobility.
The two countries also agreed to further strengthen cooperation with a view
to prevent and combat irregular migration and trafficking of human beings, and encourage
the fair mobility of highly skilled professionals. This approach is guided by international
standards that ensure migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect, including
fair mobility, transparent visa processes, and the protection of workers' rights.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to deepen cultural ties between the two countries
through enhanced cultural cooperation including by promoting exhibitions and cultural
initiatives to deepen mutual knowledge, in fields such as, design, performing arts,
visual arts, museum and heritage cooperation and exchanged views on the possible
establishment of a Joint Working Group on Cultural Cooperation.
Highlighting the importance of mutual cultural appreciation, the leaders
appreciated the efforts to showcase the artworks of Amrita Sher-Gil exhibition at
the Drents Museum, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Drents Museum and the National Gallery of
Modern Art. They also looked forward to the return exhibition showcasing an artwork
by Van Gogh and other Dutch artworks at the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Both Prime Ministers underscored the importance of cooperating in the return
and restitution of cultural artifacts and in that regard welcomed the return of
the Chola Era Copper Plates from the University of Leiden to the Indian authorities.
Recalling the centuries-old bilateral maritime history between India and
the Netherlands, both leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
for cooperation in development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
in Lothal (Gujarat), between National Maritime Museum of Amsterdam and the Ministry
of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India.
The talks were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, and both leaders
expressed their confidence in the ample scope for further development of bilateral
relations and of the multifaceted cooperation across sectors of India-Netherlands
Strategic Partnership Roadmap. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jetten
for the warm hospitality and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Jetten to
visit India at his earliest convenience.