SYLLABUS

GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The IndianPrime Minister visited the Netherlands, during which India and the Netherlands elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted a comprehensive Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030).

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• During the visit, both countries signed 17 agreements/MoUsacross sectors such as semiconductors, critical minerals, defence, migration, renewable energy, water management, higher education, maritime cooperation, and healthcare.
• The two sides also emphasized cooperation in emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, Indo-Pacific security, counter-terrorism, sustainable development, and innovation-led economic growth.

Key Outcomes of PM Modi’s Visit to the Netherlands

• Strategic Partnership and Roadmap: India and the Netherlands elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
  • Adoption of the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap (2026–2030) covering political, economic, defence, technology, climate, maritime, education, and cultural cooperation.
• Semiconductor and Emerging Technology Cooperation: MoU on Partnership on Semiconductors and Related Emerging Technologies.
  • Collaboration between the Dutch Semicon Competence Centre and the Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • “Brain Bridge” semiconductor cooperation launched between Dutch universities and Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science and various IITs.
  • Tata Electronics and ASML agreed to support the semiconductor fab facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
• Defence and Security: Signing of a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation.
  • Agreement to explore a Defence Industrial Roadmap and logistics support mechanisms.
  • Enhanced cooperation in cyber security, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and defence manufacturing.
• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: The Netherlands strongly condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack.
  • Both countries reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and support for India’s proposal for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)at the UN.
• Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation: Signing of the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.
  • Focus on strengthening resilient supply chains, startup ecosystems, innovation partnerships and investment facilitation.
  • Both sides welcomed opportunities arising from the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
• Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen: Launch of the India–Netherlands Roadmap on Green Hydrogen Development.
  • Strengthened cooperation in renewable energy, biofuels, circular economy, and energy transition.
• Water and Maritime Cooperation: Expansion of the Strategic Partnership on Water, including river management, wastewater reuse and climate-resilient urban systems.
  • Cooperation on a Green and Digital Sea Corridor connecting Indian ports with the Port of Rotterdam.
• Education, Culture and Heritage: MoU between Leiden University Libraries and the Archaeological Survey of India for preservation of cultural heritage materials.
  • MoU on Higher Education and increased university-level collaborations.
  • Return of Chola-era copper plates from Leiden University to India is welcomed.