With External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar encouraging Dutch support for the upcoming conclusion of the India-European Union free trade agreement (FTA), India and the Netherlands have stepped up their bilateral relations.
The talks, which took place on Friday during Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel’s visit to New Delhi, were crucial in strengthening strategic partnerships.
Jaishankar emphasized the strong basis of collaboration between the two countries in well-established fields including shipping, agriculture, health, and research. He emphasized that new fields offer unrealized potential to increase their partnership’s ambition.
Jaishankar specifically indicated a strong desire to expand cooperation in the fields of semiconductors, digital technology, cyberspace, and life sciences. These forward-thinking fields complement India’s drive for innovation and technological independence.
The discussions covered defense and security in addition to economy. Following separate discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Van Weel signed a letter of commitment on Thursday.
This letter demonstrates a commitment to strengthen military ties in the face of changing global challenges by establishing a systematic framework for defense sector engagement.
Jaishankar noted that FTA talks have reached a critical stage and directly connected bilateral advancements with more general India-EU relations. In order to accelerate an agreement that would open up significant trade and investment flows, he sought the support of the Netherlands.
As a major EU member, the Netherlands has significant influence over these negotiations. An early FTA settlement would promote deeper integration in vital technologies and improve market access for Indian goods and services.
Important geopolitical topics were also discussed, such as the war in Ukraine, South Asian trends, and West Asian tensions. Both parties strongly denounced terrorism in all its manifestations and called for more international collaboration to fight it.
Van Weel presented Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a threat to Europe’s existential security. He stressed that a Ukrainian defeat would allow Russia to dominate territory, posing enduring threats to continental stability.
The Dutch minister urged Indian counterparts to leverage their channels with Russia to push for negotiations. This reflects Europe’s desire for a diplomatic off-ramp amid protracted warfare.
In the future, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof intends to travel to India for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026. The visit highlights how artificial intelligence is becoming a bilateral priority.
In an effort to strengthen institutional and interpersonal ties, the Netherlands extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit.
These high-level discussions take place in the context of the EU’s pursuit of diversified supply chains and India’s “Make in India” campaign. Improved relations between the Netherlands and India could spur semiconductor joint ventures, which are essential for the durability of the world’s technology.
As India modernizes its forces through indigenization and strategic alliances, defense cooperation becomes even more important. Joint drills, technology transfers, and co-development of systems could all be made possible by the letter of intent.
Progress on the FTA front might resemble recent agreements like the one between India and the United Arab Emirates, increasing exports of cars, IT services, and pharmaceuticals. Support from the Netherlands could help with issues like investment safeguards and tariff reductions.
Geopolitically, similar positions on terrorism support common security concerns, especially with regard to South Asian challenges. India’s standing in international organizations like the UN is improved by this convergence.
India’s balanced diplomacy—maintaining relations with Russia while interacting with Western partners—is demonstrated by the Ukraine discussion. Van Weel’s appeal challenges this balance and could have an impact on India’s role as a mediator.
The visit is a perfect example of a developing relationship that combines strategic alignment with economic pragmatism. The Netherlands appears as a crucial link as the India-EU Free Trade Agreement approaches completion, offering reciprocal benefits in a multipolar world.
