India, Netherlands resolve to enhance anti-terror cooperation

India and the Netherlands today voiced deep concern over the threat of terrorism and resolved to work bilaterally and globally to fight the menace in all its forms and manifestations.
During talks with her Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also sought support of the Netherlands for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism [CCIT] at the UN.
In the meeting, Koenders expressed his country's strong support for India's permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.
On her part, Swaraj thanked him for support by the Netherlands to India's accession to the various multilateral export control regimes as well as for its bid to get membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"The two leaders expressed deep concern on the grave threat posed by terrorism to international peace and security and reaffirmed to work both bilaterally and globally to fight the menace in all its forms and manifestations," the External Affairs Ministry said.
In their talks, Swaraj and Koenders reviewed the status of ties and resolved to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors, particularly in trade and investment.

Economic ties between India and the Netherlands form the core of the bilateral relationship and the European country is now India's fifth largest investment partner with an investment of USD 20.5 billion.

Swaraj appreciated the active participation of Dutch companies in India's flagship development programmes including Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange and Make in India.
"The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the positive growth in bilateral trade which stood at US$ 6.3 billion in 2016, and agreed that it has potential to develop further," said the MEA.
It said the two ministers also welcomed the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral collaboration in water and waste management, renewable energy, Smart Cities, inland waterways, ports and shipping.
The Duthch Minister appreciated the lead taken by India in addressing climate change through the International Solar Alliance initiative and expressed support for the programme, and pointed out the strength of the Netherlands in wind energy.

The Netherlands hosts the second largest number of people of Indian-origin in Europe.
"In this context, both the Ministers welcomed the strengthening of direct air connectivity between India and the Netherlands which would contribute to further deepening of people to people ties and business links," said the MEA.
In the context of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Swaraj appreciated the ongoing joint project LOTUS [Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Re-use] to clean-up the Barapullah drain in Delhi and the DIWALI [Dutch-Indo Water Alliance Leadership Initiative] waste water project in Baroda.
Later in the day, the Dutch Foreign Minister participated in the foundation stone laying ceremony of a demonstration plant to be set up for cleaning the Barapullah drain.

Foreign Minister Koenders also visited Cochin and Bengaluru during the four-day long visit from Saturday.
The two countries are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties this year.
During the visit, Minister Koenders announced the opening of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Bengaluru later this year.