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India, Netherlands Boost Ties with Maritime Heritage Pact & Trade Committee

India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on maritime heritage, linking the planned complex at Lothal with Amsterdam's National Maritime Museum. The two nations also agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to deepen economic ties and address facilitation issues. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel emphasized the need for like-minded democracies to intensify cooperation amidst shifting global geopolitics. The bilateral relationship is described as dynamic, with close collaboration across multiple sectors including culture and trade.

Key Points: India-Netherlands Deepen Strategic Ties Amid Global Shifts

  • Maritime heritage MoU for Lothal complex
  • New Joint Trade and Investment Committee
  • Alignment on democracy and rule-based order
  • Cooperation across cultural and strategic sectors
  • Bilateral talks address trade and investment
2 min read

India, Netherlands deepen strategic, cultural, and economic ties amid changing global landscape

India and the Netherlands strengthen cooperation with maritime heritage MoU, new trade committee, and shared commitment to democracy and rule-based order.

"I believe in these turbulent times... countries like us... need to stick together. - David van Weel"

New Delhi, January 15

The Netherlands' Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd on Tuesday said, "The relations between the Netherlands and India are very good. It is a dynamic relationship because we work together closely across many sectors. The cultural relationship between the Netherlands and India is a working relationship. There are people from the creatives, cultural sector and heritage experts doing projects together."

Earlier, India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on maritime heritage, marking a significant step toward developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel.It brings together the NMHC, being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.

Before this, India and the Netherlands agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee and signed key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors during the visit of the Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel here.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs release, during the delegation-level talks on December 19, the two sides welcomed the decision to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to deepen economic cooperation, address trade facilitation issues, and promote bilateral investment.

Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel observed that India and the Netherlands are closely aligned in outlook and approach despite differences in geographical size, stressing the need for deeper cooperation at a time of shifting global geopolitics.

Speaking during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, van Weel highlighted shared values between the two countries and the importance of standing together.

"I believe in these turbulent times where geopolitics are changing, countries like us, who adhere to democracy, who adhere to the international rule-based order, who adhere to free trade, need to stick together and intensify their cooperation in order to stand the test of time," he said, while also thanking Jaishankar for the warm welcome extended to him.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very positive development. The Joint Trade Committee is crucial. The Netherlands is a gateway to Europe for our exports. Hope this translates to easier market access for Indian MSMEs and more Dutch investment in renewable energy and water management sectors where they have expertise.
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Rohit P
Lothal getting international recognition through this MoU is the best part! Our history books taught us about it being one of the world's earliest ports. Now the world will see it properly. Cultural ties are the foundation for strong economic relations. Well done.
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Sarah B
While the intent is good, I hope these agreements move beyond signing ceremonies. We need to see tangible outcomes—more student exchanges, joint research in agriculture tech (they're leaders in it), and actual simplification of business visas. The proof will be in the implementation.
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Vikram M
The Dutch Minister's words about shared democratic values are key. In today's world, building alliances with nations that believe in a rules-based order is essential for India's security and growth. This partnership can be a counterbalance in a shifting global landscape.
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Kavya N
Love the cultural cooperation angle! 🇮🇳✨ Indian designers, artists, and heritage experts working with Dutch counterparts can create magic. Imagine a fusion of Dutch design and Indian craftsmanship! Hope this leads to more festivals and exhibitions showcasing this synergy to the public.

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