New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will embark on a six-day official visit to Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to May 24, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.
The MEA noted that during the visit, Dr. Jaishankar will hold high-level discussions with the leadership of all three countries. Talks will focus on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest.
The visit is particularly significant as it comes shortly after Friedrich Merz assumed office as the new Federal Chancellor of Germany in early May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Chancellor Merz, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening the strategic ties with Germany.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote:
“Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.”
This diplomatic engagement also follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which drew widespread international condemnation. All three countries — Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands — expressed solidarity with India and condemned the attack.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated:
“Terrible news from Pahalgam. Denmark stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Our condolences to the victims of the attack and their families and loved ones.”
Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also denounced the attack and conveyed his sympathies:
“He had offered condolences to the people of India and wished speedy recovery for all the people injured in the attack.”
Similarly, President of the Netherlands Dick Schoof declared:
“The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism, now and in the future.”
India’s relations with the three nations are strong and multifaceted:
- With Denmark, ties are shaped by shared democratic traditions and the Green Strategic Partnership, which focuses on sustainable development and climate cooperation.
- Diplomatic relations with the Netherlands span over 75 years, supported by robust political, commercial, and cultural exchanges.
- Germany and India share a longstanding strategic partnership, with India being one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Germany post-World War II.
Dr. Jaishankar’s upcoming visit is expected to further strengthen India’s strategic and economic engagements with the three European countries and reinforce shared commitments to democracy, peace, and counter-terrorism.