with PM Narendra Modi In The Hague, the Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen An exclusive interview with Sachin Parashar explains the geopolitical imperative for the new India-Netherlands strategic partnership, semiconductor focus and trust-based relationship.This is PM Modi’s second visit Netherlands And for the first time since the announcement of India-EU FTA. As one of India’s leading trading partners in Europe, what are the major takeaways you see from this visit? In a world that is increasingly unpredictable, where international tensions are rising and geopolitical relationships are constantly changing, strategic cooperation is not a luxury, but a necessity. The Netherlands is actively seeking new partnerships outside traditional alliances. One country stands out: India. For the Netherlands, India – as the world’s largest democracy and an emerging player in the Indo-Pacific – is a logical and promising partner. Rapidly growing as a partner not only in the field of business, but also in the field of security and innovation. As both our countries wish to enhance our cooperation, we have decided to enter into a strategic partnership focused on trade and investment, security, innovation and people-to-people ties. By uniting, we will be better able to ensure our earning capacity and security in the future. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement could open up even greater cooperation and strengthen supply chains at a time of global uncertainty. The strategic partnership between the Netherlands and India forms a solid foundation for jointly finding solutions to the major geopolitical challenges of our time, as by purposefully investing in this relationship both our countries are building a resilient future – based on shared interests, innovation and strategic trust. Given the global pressure to focus on semiconductor partnerships and create resilient supply chains, how do you propose to link your advanced semiconductor ecosystem with India’s semiconductor mission and manufacturing expansion? Semiconductors have become central to economic resilience and technological leadership around the world. The Netherlands has a highly advanced semiconductor ecosystem, while India brings vast engineering talent, innovation capabilities and growing manufacturing ambitions. This is a very powerful combination. We aim to create long-term innovation partnerships by connecting universities, research institutes, startups and industry on both sides. There is also a broader strategic logic. Recent global disruptions have shown the importance of diverse and reliable supply chains. India’s rise as a semiconductor hub can play a major role in building a more resilient global ecosystem, and the Netherlands has a lot to offer in that journey. The Prime Minister is expected to discuss the current situation in both West Asia and Ukraine. Are you considering any specific type of cooperation with India to mitigate the impact of these conflicts? For the Netherlands, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is the most serious security challenge facing Europe in decades. This is not only a war against Ukraine and its territorial integrity, but a direct challenge to the principles of sovereignty, international law and the rules-based international order that underpin global stability and are enshrined in the UN Charter. Its consequences extend far beyond Europe. The war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have further intensified pressures, particularly around maritime security and global trade flows. These wars have disrupted energy markets, food supplies, shipping routes, and supply chains around the world, demonstrating how deeply interconnected today’s economies and security environments are. In this context, close cooperation between trusted partners like India is essential. Both countries have a strong interest in economic resilience, safe sea routes and stable global supply chains. We both have a strong interest in the peaceful resolution of disputes and upholding international law. Credible strategic partnerships are no longer optional; They are necessary. And the interests of the Netherlands, the EU and India clearly converge here. There is also a focus on developing defense cooperation as a key pillar of the partnership. Can we expect progress in discussions for more frequent joint naval exercises and technical cooperation, co-development and co-production of defense equipment? Will India’s relations with Russia impact these efforts? The Netherlands and India are exploring a deeper and more strategic defense partnership, particularly in the maritime, cyber and technology domains. In the coming years, cooperation is expected to become more operational and technology-driven, including greater naval engagements, maritime exchanges, cyber security cooperation and stronger industrial partnerships. In this light, earlier this month a Dutch frigate called at the port in Kochi to strengthen naval ties between India and the Netherlands. There is also a growing understanding across Europe that India is diversifying its defense partnerships and emerging as a major strategic actor in its own right. The Dutch approach is therefore pragmatic and visionary: the focus is on expanding areas where Dutch and Indian security interests increasingly converge. How does the Dutch Indo-Pacific strategy align with India’s focus on maritime security, freedom of navigation and promoting a free, open and inclusive region amid Chinese assertiveness? The Netherlands and India increasingly view the Indo-Pacific through the same lens: stability at sea is essential to prosperity on land. As trading nations, we both depend on open shipping routes, secure supply chains and respect for international maritime law. India plays an important role in the Indo-Pacific and the Netherlands sees India as a natural strategic partner in maintaining a free, open and inclusive region. That is why we are expanding cooperation in maritime security, cyber resilience, smart ports and naval engagement, including in frameworks such as the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, which the Netherlands recently joined as co-lead of the Capacity Building Pillar. Our approach is not confrontational. It is about ensuring that all countries can trade freely, connect securely and operate under clear international rules. In today’s geopolitical environment, trusted partnerships matter more than ever. That is why the new strategic partnership between our countries is so important.