India–Netherlands ties enter ‘next level’ with push on defence and high tech

India and the Netherlands are moving towards a more strategic, future-oriented partnership, with an increased focus on defence cooperation, high technology, and semiconductors, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said during his recent visit to India.

After meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Van Weel described the relationship as “going up to the next level” amid growing global insecurity. Long-standing cooperation in areas such as water management, horticulture, and agriculture will continue. He said that evolving geopolitical realities call for closer engagement in security and defence.

A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent on defence cooperation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties, particularly in the maritime domain. The Netherlands has joined India’s Indo-Pacific initiatives as an observer and has been supporting maritime rule-of-law training for Indian students. Senior Dutch naval officials are expected to visit India next year to explore further collaboration, including between defence industries.

High-technology cooperation was another key focus, especially in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Van Weel said these sectors would shape future societies and emphasised the need for innovation within democratic frameworks. He highlighted Dutch firm NXP, which has a significant presence in India and is involved in advanced chip design.

Discussions also covered the Russia–Ukraine war, which Van Weel described as existential for Europe, as well as counter-terrorism cooperation, with the Netherlands reaffirming its commitment to working closely with India.