External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar kicked off a six-day European tour on Monday with high-level talks in The Hague, emphasizing tighter cooperation on trade, security, and counterterrorism.
Meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister
In a meeting with his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp, Jaishankar thanked the Netherlands for its “strong condemnation” of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reiterated India’s commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism. Both leaders explored ways to elevate bilateral ties and enhance joint engagement with the European Union.
“Appreciate the Netherlands’ unwavering support in the global fight against terrorism. We had wide-ranging discussions on deepening our partnership and navigating a multipolar world,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Strategic Experts Dialogue
Later, Jaishankar held a roundtable with leading strategic analysts in The Hague, focusing on India–EU cooperation. Participants assessed geopolitical shifts and the imperative for India and Europe to collaborate more closely on issues ranging from digital governance to climate action.
“A productive exchange on why India and the Netherlands/EU must engage more deeply in this era of strategic autonomy,” the minister remarked on social media.
Diplomatic Welcome and Broader Agenda
Jaishankar was formally received by Ambassador Kumar Tuhin and Gabriella Sancisi, Director of Protocol at the Dutch Foreign Ministry. His agenda in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany includes meetings with heads of state and discussions on trade, investment, technology, and regional security.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit aims to “deepen strategic partnerships and reinforce coordination on global challenges,” including economic recovery post-COVID, counterterrorism, and multilateral cooperation.
Solidarity from The Hague
Last month, Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands personally condemned the Pahalgam attack, expressing solidarity with India on X: “The Netherlands stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Schoof for his support and underscored the importance of united action against extremist threats. As Jaishankar’s tour unfolds, observers expect a flurry of agreements and joint statements that will shape India’s engagement with key European partners for years to come.
