India and Netherlands Hold 13th Foreign Office Consultations, Strengthening Bilateral Partnership

The 13th round of India-Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations took place on December 4, 2025, in New Delhi, reinforcing the institutional dialogue framework between the two countries. Led by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Mr. Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the consultations build upon the previous round held in The Hague in May 2024.

Political Momentum and High-Level Engagement

Both delegations welcomed the increasing interactions at the highest political levels, which provide guidance and momentum to bilateral relations. Most recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Dick Schoof met during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 23, 2025, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to strengthening their partnership.

Strategic Areas of Cooperation

The consultations provided an opportunity to review advancement in bilateral ties and discuss emerging areas of collaboration. Both sides deliberated on strengthening partnership in critical technologies and innovation, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, science and technology, green hydrogen, and shipping. Defence and security cooperation, alongside priority sectors under the Water, Agriculture, and Health (WAH) agenda, were also discussed. Both sides reiterated their commitment to providing a strategic dimension to bilateral relations across diverse sectors.

Economic Partnership and Trade Framework

The Netherlands continues to serve as a key economic partner for India in Europe, with acknowledged consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment. Both delegations underscored the importance of concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of 2025, as directed by leadership on both the Indian and EU sides during the visit of the EU College of Commissioners in February 2025.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the fight against terrorism, with the Indian side reiterating its firm policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

The two sides recognized the continued importance of people-to-people relations and cultural ties for strengthening the bilateral relationship. The Indian community in the Netherlands was acknowledged as an important bridge between the two countries, making a substantial contribution to the local economy and fostering deeper cultural links.

Institutional Mechanism and Future Engagement

The Foreign Office Consultations represent one of the important institutional mechanisms between India and the Netherlands for discussing the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue holding consultations at regular intervals and to schedule the next round of Foreign Office Consultations at a mutually convenient time in the Netherlands.

India and the Netherlands share a strong bilateral relationship grounded in shared democratic values and multi-faceted cooperation across diverse areas, including their Strategic Partnership on Water, which covers extensive cooperation and knowledge sharing in flood management and clean water technologies.