External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in New Delhi on Monday, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investments, innovation, water management, and emerging opportunities in semiconductors.
Expressing his pleasure at the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the deepening collaboration between India and the Netherlands. “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,” he shared on X.
He further elaborated, “Explored new possibilities in semiconductors, green hydrogen, education, and talent flows. Also spoke about global strategic developments and the significance of multipolarity.”
Veldkamp is currently on a two-day official visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome to him, emphasizing that his visit would strengthen the “multifaceted relationship” between the two countries.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed this sentiment in a post on X: “A warm welcome to FM Caspar Veldkamp @MinisterBZ of Netherlands on his first official visit to India. This visit will further strengthen India-Netherlands multifaceted relationship.”
Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar formally welcomed Veldkamp to India, expressing anticipation for their discussions. “Welcome FM Caspar Veldkamp @ministerBZ of Netherlands to India. Look forward to our talks,” he posted on X.
Responding to Jaishankar, Veldkamp had earlier stated on X that he was eager to engage in talks with Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in light of current geopolitical dynamics.
“I look forward to visiting #India. I will speak there with Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval, amongst others. Considering today’s geopolitical reality, it is important for both the Netherlands and India to strengthen our cooperation and deepen our relationship,” Veldkamp wrote.
India and the Netherlands share a long-standing diplomatic relationship, having established formal ties in 1947. The two nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic engagement in 2022. High-level interactions continue to be a hallmark of their relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the newly formed government of the Netherlands, led by PM Dick Schoof, upon assuming office on July 2, 2024.
