Jaishankar meets Dutch PM, foreign and defence ministers to expand cooperation in trade, tech, and security
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 19–20 May 2025, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the multi-faceted ties between the two countries.
The visit reaffirmed shared strategic priorities, expanded high-level exchanges, and opened new avenues in technology and defence cooperation.
During his stay in The Hague, EAM Jaishankar called on Dutch Prime Minister HE Dick Schoof. The leaders welcomed the growing convergence in strategic interests and agreed on intensifying bilateral engagement through frequent high-level visits. Jaishankar expressed India’s appreciation for the Netherlands’ solidarity in the global fight against terrorism.
EAM also held comprehensive talks with his Dutch counterpart, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. The two leaders reviewed progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, science and technology, water management, agriculture, health, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.
They further explored collaboration in emerging domains such as digital technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green hydrogen—critical sectors for both economies.
The visit saw a strong push toward expanding defence ties and advancing dialogue on global strategic autonomy.
In a separate meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans discussed deepening bilateral defence and security cooperation. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to elevating their strategic partnership in the defence domain.
Jaishankar also engaged with top Dutch strategic and international affairs experts at a roundtable hosted by leading think tanks. Discussions centered on the evolving multipolar global order and the potential for deeper India-Netherlands and India-EU partnerships based on shared values and strategic autonomy.
The minister concluded his visit by meeting with members of the vibrant Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, acknowledging their contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
The visit, closely following Dutch Foreign Minister Veldkamp’s visit to India in April 2025, underscores the mutual commitment to deep, sustained, and forward-looking engagement.
