New Delhi [India]: The Netherlands is eager to conclude negotiations on its strategic partnership with India “before this summer,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated on Tuesday. He emphasized that both nations have significant contributions to offer each other.
During his official visit to India, Veldkamp spoke to media about shifting global dynamics, including the new approach of the US administration, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
On Monday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with the Dutch foreign minister to discuss deepening bilateral ties.
Reflecting on their meeting, Veldkamp said, “I greatly value the warm welcome from the Indian Foreign Minister and find it crucial for a European country like mine to engage with India and learn from its views on the world.”
He highlighted the evolving global landscape, stating, “These are very important days and weeks in global history. You see a new US administration relating to the world in different terms than we are used to. We see the war, Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, going on, but also seeing diplomatic efforts taking place to end that war. We see the point of gravity economically, but also politically, in many ways, shifting more to the south and definitely to the east of the Global Map.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
India and the Netherlands are working towards elevating their relationship to the status of a strategic partnership.
Addressing this, Veldkamp stated, “We still have to work out exactly and negotiate what the strategic partnership between the Netherlands and India will be. But I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to conclude that before the summer.”
He pointed out that such partnerships are rare and stressed the mutual benefits for both nations. India could benefit from the Netherlands’ role as a key member of the European Union, an active NATO participant, and a strong force in the Transatlantic Alliance.
Collaboration in Technology and Trade
With India striving to become a global semiconductor hub, Veldkamp highlighted the role of Dutch companies, universities, and research institutes in supporting this goal.
“We can offer each other many things. We are number seven in the world on the innovation ranking. We have technology in the field of water, food security, healthcare, but also, for example, in semiconductor machinery production,” he noted.
Regarding the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, Veldkamp acknowledged the commitment of both sides to fostering cooperation.
“Well, also Indian negotiators are known as being very tough, and the European ones too… we can be predictable and reliable partners for each other,” he remarked.
He also referenced the recent visit by European Commission representatives to India, stating, “I think this was a very important step, and it shows to what extent India is seen as a strategic partner for European countries and for the European continent as a whole.”
Concerns Over Trade Tariffs
Veldkamp addressed concerns about potential unilateral tariff actions from the United States that could impact both the European Union and India.
Discussing possible joint efforts to counter such measures, he stated, “It’s important to compare notes between the EU, EU Member States, and India on these matters that affect all of us. As a trade nation, we believe international trade is vital for prosperity. Tariffs infringe on that and will ultimately harm the American consumer due to the inflationary pressures they create.”
He underscored the necessity of resolving such issues through dialogue rather than escalating tensions.
With both nations committed to expanding their cooperation, the Netherlands and India are poised to deepen their strategic ties across key sectors, fostering a stronger global partnership.