External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, with both sides discussing bilateral cooperation and key regional and global developments.
During the meeting, the Dutch Foreign Minister highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and the Netherlands, rooted in trade, innovation and strong people-to-people ties.
He described the newly announced India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership as a “historic milestone” in bilateral relations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Delighted to meet FM Tom Berendsen again. PM Narendra Modi’s visit gave us an opportunity to catch up on so many issues.”
The meeting took place as India and the Netherlands elevated bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to The Hague.
According to the Joint Statement issued after delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, both countries agreed to strengthen structured cooperation across sectors including trade, defence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, renewable energy, innovation, water management, agriculture and education.
The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-European Union Strategic Partnership and welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.
India and the Netherlands also underlined the importance of a free, open, secure and peaceful Indo-Pacific based on respect for international law, sovereignty and freedom of navigation.
Recalling the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Prime Minister Jetten announced that the Netherlands would join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and co-lead the Capacity Building and Resource Sharing pillar along with Germany and the European Union.
The leaders also discussed major global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia.
Both sides expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic impact of the Ukraine conflict and reiterated support for dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace.
On West Asia, the leaders welcomed the ceasefire announced on April 8, 2026, and stressed the importance of de-escalation and diplomatic engagement for long-term regional stability.
They also called for freedom of navigation and uninterrupted global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz while opposing restrictive measures affecting trade and energy supplies.
Prime Minister Modi also thanked Prime Minister Jetten for the warm hospitality extended during the visit and invited him to visit India at the earliest opportunity.
-ANI
