India and Netherlands held the 13th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on Thursday, discussing ways to further strengthen the partnership in sectors such as critical technologies and innovation including semiconductors and AI, science and technology, green hydrogen and shipping, defence and security, as well as priority areas of Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH agenda).
The two sides reiterated their intent to provide strategic dimension to bilateral ties in various sectors. India and Netherlands welcomed the increasing interactions and exchanges at the highest political levels which has provided constant guidance and momentum to the bilateral ties, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Foreign Office Consultations, it said, provided an opportunity to review the advancement in bilateral ties and discuss newer areas of cooperation. For the meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the MEA while the Netherlands delegation was led by Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General at the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Noting the continued importance of the Netherlands as a key economic partner for India in Europe, they acknowledged the consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment. In this regard, they underscored the importance of concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by end of this year, as directed by the leadership on the Indian and EU sides during the visit of EU College of Commissioners in February this year.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including fight against terrorism. Indian side reiterated its firm policy of zero tolerance against terrorism,” the MEA stated. The officials of India and Netherlands noted the continued importance of people-to-people ties and cultural relations for the bilateral ties. The two sides called Indian community in the Netherlands an important bridge between the two countries, making a substantial contribution to the local economy and fostering deeper cultural links.
The MEA statement added: “FOC is among the important institutional mechanisms between India and the Netherlands to discuss the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation. Highlighting the importance of the mechanism, the two sides agreed to continue holding consultations at regular intervals and to schedule the next round of FOC at a mutually convenient time in the Netherlands.”
“India and the Netherlands enjoy a strong bilateral relationship based on shared democratic values and multi-faceted cooperation in diverse areas. The two countries have a Strategic Partnership on Water covering extensive cooperation and knowledge sharing in flood management, clean water technologies, amongst other domains,” it added.
