AMN / Amsterdam /
India and Netherlands Tuesday signed three MOUs on water management, cultural cooperation and on amending social security arrangement. The MOUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte. PM Modi is on visit to the Netherlands.
During their discussion at Dutch Prime minister’s residence in The Hague, both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment towards Paris climate deal. The two sides also resolved to strengthen collaboration in renewable enegy sector.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi said Netherlands is a natural partner in India’s economic development. In a joint press statement along with his Dutch counterpart, Mr Modi said, Netherlands has emerged as the third-party largest source of FDI during last three years. Expressing that his Netherlands tour comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations, Mr Modi said the two countries have centuries old relations & are together progressing ahead steadily. Stressing that today world is interdependent & interconnected, he said, India & Netherlands have convergence of views on the global issues.
Mr Modi also interacted with the CEOs of Dutch companies inviting them to utilize the vast opportunities provided by his ‘Make in India’ initiative. During his visit, the PM is also meeting King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in their palace. Besides, he will also address Indian diaspora in a community event, before heading back to India late on Tuesday night.
Prime minister Narendra Modi has invited investments from dutch pension funds into India. Addressing the Chief Executive officers (CEOs) of top 16 dutch corporates, Mr Modi said, India is a land of opportunities with the seven per cent plus growth rate and large young work force.
The Prime minister said, economic reforms in India seek to enhance ease of doing business and bring standards at par with global benchmarks. He said , central government alone has initiated over seven thousand reforms in last three years. Mr Modi said, water is a key sector of cooperation between the two countries.