India and Netherlands Strengthen Ties Across Technology, Defence, and Strategic Sectors

On 4 December 2025, New Delhi hosted the 13th India–Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), where officials from both nations explored avenues to deepen cooperation in critical technologies, innovation, defence, security, and priority areas under the Water, Agriculture, and Health (WAH) agenda. The meeting brought together India’s Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflecting the high-level commitment to advancing bilateral ties.

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Expanding Horizons in Technology and Innovation

The consultations emphasized collaboration in emerging and high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and science and technology. Both nations acknowledged the potential of joint research, development, and innovation projects to enhance competitiveness and address global challenges. These discussions are part of a broader effort to elevate the partnership beyond traditional domains into strategic, technology-driven cooperation.

Defence, Security, and Strategic Dialogue

Defence and security were prominent topics in the talks, reflecting mutual interest in strengthening strategic collaboration. Both sides also shared perspectives on global and regional security challenges, including counterterrorism. The Indian delegation reiterated its firm policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, signaling continuity in India’s security stance while exploring avenues for bilateral and regional cooperation.

Economic and Trade Relations

The meeting highlighted the Netherlands’ continued importance as a key economic partner for India in Europe. Both sides recognized the consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment, emphasizing the urgency of concluding the India–EU Free Trade Agreement by year-end to further facilitate commerce and investment. The discussions underscored opportunities for expanding mutual investments through the ongoing Strategic Partnership framework, particularly in sectors where both nations’ strengths are complementary.

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

Alongside economic and strategic cooperation, the consultations recognized the significance of people-to-people and cultural ties. The Indian community in the Netherlands serves as a vital bridge, fostering stronger cultural connections while contributing to the local economy. The FOC continues to serve as an important institutional mechanism for discussing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and planning future engagements.

Institutional Mechanisms and Strategic Partnerships

The two countries affirmed their commitment to regular consultations, with the next round of FOC to be held in the Netherlands at a mutually convenient time. The strategic partnership, particularly in water management, has fostered cooperation in flood management, clean water technologies, and related domains, providing a model for broader collaboration in sustainable development.

Political Engagement and Global Context

This round of consultations follows the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Netherlands counterpart, Dick Schoof, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 23. During that engagement, both leaders stressed rapid growth in cooperation across energy, technology, innovation, and water resources. They also discussed avenues to enhance trade and investment linkages through strategic partnerships and upcoming collaborative initiatives, such as the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. 

The MGMM Outlook

The 13th India–Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi on 4 December 2025 reflect the growing depth and diversity of bilateral relations between the two nations. The discussions highlighted the potential for collaboration in critical and emerging sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and science and technology, emphasizing joint research and innovation as key drivers of competitiveness and global problem-solving. Beyond technology, the talks reinforced mutual interests in defence, security, and counterterrorism, with India reiterating its firm stance on zero tolerance toward terrorism while exploring avenues for strategic and regional cooperation. Economic ties were also a focus, with both countries recognizing the Netherlands as a key European partner and underscoring the importance of concluding the India–EU Free Trade Agreement to facilitate investment and trade growth.

Cultural and people-to-people connections further strengthen the partnership, with the Indian community in the Netherlands playing a significant role in bridging relations and contributing to local development. Institutional mechanisms like the FOC and strategic partnerships in water management, agriculture, and health have provided a strong foundation for sustainable collaboration, serving as a model for joint action in areas like clean water technologies and flood management. In the broader global context, the consultations follow engagements between Prime Minister Modi and his Dutch counterpart at the G20 Summit, signaling a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in technology, energy, innovation, and trade, while leveraging complementary strengths to address contemporary challenges.

(Sources: IANS, News on Air)