Jaishankar, Dutch counterpart discuss coop in new technologies

India and the Netherlands are deepening cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly semiconductors and green hydrogen, while also facilitating skilled Indian professionals to work in the Netherlands, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on Tuesday.

During a bilateral meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Dutch counterpart Veldkamp discussed technology as a key area of collaboration. The two countries have engaged in three rounds of talks on semiconductors over the past year, driven by the Netherlands-based ASML, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. India, aiming to develop its own chip-making capabilities for military and space applications, sees the Netherlands as a crucial partner in this effort.

In December, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to elevate bilateral ties, with a focus on defence, semiconductors and green hydrogen. This was further reinforced in February when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Dutch counterpart Kajsa Ollongren highlighted cooperation in semiconductors and clean energy.

Jaishankar and Veldkamp also discussed migration, mobility and youth exchanges. Veldkamp, on his first official visit to India (March 31-April 1), also met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.