Netherlands backs India's UNSC bid

The Netherlands has backed India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, NSG, and other multilateral export control regimes. 

In a joint communique issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hague the Netherlands also supported the country's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. 

Both leaders agreed that the NSG, Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group would benefit from India's membership. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Netherlands for its role in India's accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime in June 2016. 

India and the Netherlands also strongly condemned the use of double standards in addressing the menace of terrorism, saying there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.They expressed concern about the serious and grave threat posed by the spread of terrorism and violent extremism to both the countries and the world. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism and prevent radicalisation that could lead to violent extremism. 

Mr Modi also discussed the role of the Netherlands as 'Gateway to Europe' for India as 20 per cent of its exports to Europe enters through the Dutch country. Both leaders expressed hope for an early resumption of negotiations leading to the conclusion of the Broad-based



Trade and Investment Agreement between India and the EU.

Prime Minister Modi invited the Netherlands to join the International Solar Alliance. Prime Minister Rutte appreciated the lead taken by India to galvanise global action on Climate Change through the its initiatives. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries' commitment towards Paris climate deal.

Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Modi described the Netherlands as India's "natural partner" in its economic development and said the bilateral ties with the country's major trading partner will grow rapidly.

India and Netherlands also signed three MOUs on water management, cultural cooperation and on amending social security arrangement. The MOUs were signed in the presence of both leaders. 

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.Yesterday, Mr Modi also interacted with the CEOs of Dutch companies inviting them to utilize the vast opportunities provided by his 'Make in India' initiative.