In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Netherlands recently visited India. This visit underscored the vital economic partnership and historical relations that have existed between these nations for over four centuries.
Economic Partnership: A Key Pillar of Bilateral Ties
The economic partnership between India and the Netherlands is a major part of the bond between the two nations. The Netherlands ranks as India’s fourth largest trading associate within the European Union, and is a significant investor in the country.
Dutch companies in India have earned global acclaim in several sectors including agriculture, water management, port development, waste management, and urban planning.
Tracing the Historical Relations
The relationship between India and the Netherlands dates back to more than 400 years. This began with the establishment of the first Dutch East India Company in the Indian subcontinent around the 17th century AD. The official relations were established in 1947, and since then, the relations have been cordial and friendly. Both countries uphold shared ideals of democracy, pluralism and the rule of law.
Cultural Relations: Strengthening Bonds Further
Culturally, the Netherlands is home to the largest Indian community in mainland Europe. The growing population of Indian students and professionals in the Netherlands is strengthening cultural ties and deepening technological partnerships.
Netherlands’ Significance to India
The Netherlands has supported India’s bid for membership in different Export Control Regimes and India’s claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. The two nations also share common concerns about contemporary issues such as climate action, cybersecurity, and terrorism. Collaborations in smart cities, green energy, start-ups, smart solutions, and new-age products are fostering closer ties between the nations. Furthermore, India is eager to learn and benefit from the Dutch expertise in river rejuvenation.
Facts About India-Netherlands Relations
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Dutch EIC establishment in India | 17th century AD |
| The Netherlands as India’s trading partner in the EU | 4th largest |
| Indian community in the Netherlands | Largest on European mainland |
| Netherlands’ support to India | Membership to different Export Control Regimes and a permanent seat in the UN Security Council |
Recent Collaborative Initiatives: LOTUS and WETLAB
During their recent visit, the leaders jointly launched the second phase of the Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for the Healthy Reuse (LOTUS-HR) program. Initiated in July 2017, the project aims to create an innovative holistic waste-water management approach that will produce clean water, which could be reutilized for various purposes.
The LOTUS-HR project is jointly supported by the Department of Biotechnology and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research /STW.
Another initiative, WETLAB, is a design challenge supported by the Department of Biotechnology-Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (DBT-BIRAC) and Netherlands Enterprise Agency. It provides a unique platform for young professionals and students to think differently and propose innovative ideas to solve India’s urban water challenges and contribute towards cleaning up of India’s rivers.
