India, Netherlands Discuss Critical Technologies and Trade

The 13th India-Netherlands Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place on December 4, 2025, in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, while the Dutch delegation was led by Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

The consultations reviewed bilateral ties and discussed new areas of cooperation, including critical technologies, innovation, science and technology, green hydrogen, shipping, defence, and security. The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen partnerships in water, agriculture, and health sectors.

Bilateral trade and investment between India and the Netherlands were highlighted, with both sides emphasizing the importance of concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. Regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism, were also discussed.

The Indian community in the Netherlands was recognized as a bridge between the two countries. The FOC is an institutional mechanism for discussing bilateral cooperation, and both sides agreed to continue holding consultations regularly. The next round of FOC is expected to be held in the Netherlands.

India and the Netherlands have a bilateral relationship based on shared democratic values and cooperation in areas like water management and clean water technologies.