PM Modi, Netherlands PM agree on action plan for defence, trade, and innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten have adopted an ambitious Roadmap for the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership for 2026-2030, outlining cooperation across political, economic, technological, defence and cultural sectors over the next five years.

The roadmap was adopted during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Netherlands and follows the decision by both countries to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

According to the roadmap document released on Saturday, both countries agreed to strengthen political dialogue through regular meetings between heads of government, foreign ministers and senior officials.

The two sides also decided to establish an annual mechanism at the foreign ministers’ level to review progress under the strategic partnership and provide guidance for future cooperation.

In the economic sector, India and the Netherlands agreed to deepen trade and investment cooperation in high-growth sectors including renewable energy, semiconductors, telecommunications, maritime infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and medical technology.

The roadmap also focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting collaboration in critical minerals through joint ventures, industrial partnerships and technological cooperation.

Both countries agreed to support business-to-business partnerships, encourage SME participation and expand innovation ecosystems to drive sustainable economic growth.

A major focus area under the roadmap is cooperation in Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH).

The two countries agreed to intensify collaboration on integrated water management, flood resilience, river basin management and sustainable water infrastructure, particularly in the Ganga Basin.

The roadmap also includes support for urban river management plans, climate-resilient agriculture, food security and biotechnology cooperation.

India and the Netherlands agreed to enhance public health cooperation through partnerships between institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.

In emerging technologies, the roadmap outlines expanded cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and photonics.

The two countries will also strengthen research collaboration between universities and technical institutions, including partnerships involving Indian Institute of Science, IITs and Dutch universities.

Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and sustainable development through initiatives focused on green hydrogen, biofuels, battery storage, circular economy and green shipping.

India and the Netherlands will work towards developing a “Green and Digital Sea Corridor” to promote sustainable maritime connectivity and support India’s green hydrogen exports to Europe.

In the defence and security domain, the roadmap proposes structured military interactions, enhanced maritime cooperation, defence industry partnerships and greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, cyber security, critical technologies and maritime security.

On migration and mobility, India and the Netherlands agreed to facilitate fair mobility for students, researchers and skilled professionals while jointly addressing irregular migration.

The roadmap also highlights the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, including cooperation in heritage conservation, museum partnerships and tourism promotion.

Both countries acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands in strengthening bilateral relations.

 

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