Netherlands Eyes MoU with India; WION Unpacks Key Areas of Cooperation

Netherlands is looking to deepen its strategic partnership with India, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp told WION in an exclusive interview. He highlighted key areas of collaboration, including semiconductors, critical minerals, and Indo-Pacific security, while highlighting his country’s commitment to finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster industrial, technological, and research cooperation.

Veldkamp pointed to India’s growing role in the global semiconductor industry and the Netherlands’ expertise in producing advanced lithography machines—essential for high-precision chip manufacturing. “India has set its sights on becoming a global semiconductor hub, and the Netherlands, with its cutting-edge technology, is well-positioned to support this ambition,” he told WION. Beyond industry, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities and research institutions to drive innovation and technological advancement.

Addressing geopolitical challenges, Veldkamp shared his perspective on India’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Speaking exclusively to WION, he acknowledged India's balanced approach—maintaining ties with Russia while providing humanitarian support to Ukraine—while reiterating Europe’s firm position. “Russia’s war is a direct threat to European security. In a world of uncertainty, India and the EU must stand together as reliable and predictable partners,” he noted.

The Netherlands’ push for deeper engagement with India aligns with ongoing negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a crucial step toward stronger economic integration. While recognizing India’s strategic and assertive approach to negotiations, Veldkamp remained optimistic, telling WION that both sides need to work together to overcome challenges.

This exclusive conversation underscores WION’s role as a premier global news platform shaping diplomatic discourse. By facilitating high-impact discussions that influence international policy, WION continues to highlight India’s growing influence on the world stage. Veldkamp’s remarks, delivered in an in-depth exchange with WION, signal a new phase in India-Netherlands relations, paving the way for stronger collaboration in technology, trade, and strategic security.