New Delhi, Apr 1 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with visiting Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, during which they reviewed the growing bilateral cooperation including in the areas of trade and investments, defence and security. They also discussed India-EU ties and Ukraine.

The Netherlands FM was on his first official visit to India from March 31-April 1.

During the delegation level talks, the two foreign ministers also held talks in the areas of political exchanges, innovation, culture, and people-to-people ties.

They also noted the vast potential of cooperation between India and the Netherlands in new and emerging areas including semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, education and migration and mobility of youth, skilled workers, and professionals in addition to strengthening the traditional priority areas of cooperation in Water, Agriculture, and Health, a statement said.

EAM and FM Veldkamp also exchanged views on global and regional developments of mutual interest. During the visit, FM Veldkamp also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

EAM posted on X:

“Delighted to meet FM Caspar Veldkamp @ministerBZ of Netherlands this evening.

“Discussed our growing bilateral cooperation including in trade, investments, innovation, water, agriculture, health, security and people-to-people ties.

“Explored new possibilities in semiconductors, green hydrogen, education and talent flows.

“Also spoke about global strategic developments and the significance of multipolarity.”

The Netherlands FM Veldkamp posted on X:

“Good to meet Minister of Foreign Affairs @DrSJaishankar from #India in New Delhi.

“We had a productive conversation about geopolitical developments, common interests in a multipolar world and strengthening cooperation between the Netherlands and India.

“We also discussed our common goals, a rules-based global order, and how the Netherlands and India can work together to excel in areas such as water, critical technologies and security.

“We then discussed strengthening EU-India relations and touched upon international developments including Ukraine, the transatlantic relationship, the Middle East and China.”

“Considering today's geopolitical reality, it is important for both the Netherlands and India to strengthen our cooperation and deepen our relationship.”

India and the Netherlands have a trusted partnership and mutually beneficial ties spanning across diverse sectors. The two countries have a Strategic Partnership in Water sector.

The visit of FM Veldkamp will provide further impetus to our increasingly strong and expanding bilateral relations.

UNI RN