External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands from May 19 to 20, reaffirming the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
During his visit, Jaishankar held high-level meetings with key Dutch leaders, including Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration across diverse areas such as trade, technology, and defence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr S. Jaishankar, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 19-20 May 2025. During the visit, EAM called on H.E. Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergences in the India-Netherlands relationship and agreed to strengthen bilateral ties through continued high-level exchanges.”
Jaishankar also extended India’s gratitude for the Netherlands’ statement of solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
In his meeting with Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, both ministers reviewed the full scope of bilateral ties, alongside key regional and global developments of mutual interest. They noted significant progress in areas such as trade and economy, science and technology, water management, agriculture, healthcare, education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contacts.
They also explored opportunities for deeper engagement in emerging sectors like digital technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green hydrogen.
EAM Jaishankar further met with Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans to discuss ways of advancing defence and security cooperation. Both sides agreed to take their strategic partnership in the defence sector to new heights.
As part of his itinerary, Jaishankar also addressed leading Dutch think tanks and international affairs experts, where discussions centred on the importance of closer India-Netherlands and India-EU cooperation in a world marked by multipolarity and strategic autonomy.
He also engaged with members of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, underlining the community’s role in strengthening bilateral ties.
The MEA noted that Jaishankar’s visit, closely following Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp’s trip to India in April 2025, reflects the shared commitment to maintaining a regular and robust dialogue. The engagements during this visit are expected to further deepen and diversify the partnership between the two nations.
EAM Jaishankar is currently on an official tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24.
