Dutch PM backs India’s fight against terror after ‘horrific attack’ in Pahalgam

NEw new delhi: dutch people undercoat government minister hawkshaw Schoof on Tuesday backed India’s fight against terrorism after the “horrific attack last month in Pahalgam” during a meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who thanking the Netherlands for its “resolute stance” against terror. Jaishankar, who is on his first foreign trip since the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 and clashes between India and Pakistan, met Schoof and discussed bilateral relations and global issues. “Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and thanked him for the Netherlands’ firm and resolute stance against terrorism,” Jaishankar said in a social media post. Schoof said in a separate social media post that he expressed his “support for India’s fight against terrorism in the wake of the horrific attack last month in Pahalgam”. He added, “It is good for all parties that the violence between India and Pakistan has not escalated further.” A statement from the external affairs ministry added Jaishankar conveyed India’s appreciation for the “statement of solidarity from the Netherlands in the fight against terrorism”. Jaishankar told Schoof that teams from both sides will focus on the goal of taking the bilateral partnership to newer heights. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing strategic convergences in the bilateral relationship and agreed to strengthen ties through regular visits and exchanges, the statement said. Schoof said the strategic partnership between the Netherlands and India is focused on long-term cooperation in trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. “In a changing world, it is important for both the Netherlands and India that we can continue to count on one other. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to our country soon to discuss this further,” he said. Jaishankar also met his counterpart Caspar Veldkamp on Monday and reviewed bilateral cooperation and regional and global developments. The ministers focused on cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology, water, agriculture, health, education and people-to-people ties. They also discussed ways to enhance collaboration in new sectors such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI and green hydrogen. During a separate meeting with Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans, Jaishankar discussed opportunities for bolstering defence and security cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence. He also addressed leading strategic and international affairs experts from Dutch think tanks. The discussions focused on reasons for India and the Netherlands and European Union (EU) engaging more deeply in an era of multipolarity and strategic autonomy. He also interacted with the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands. Jaishankar visited the Netherlands within a month of Veldkamp’s trip to India in April, which was aimed at driving cooperation in areas ranging from trade to defence and green technologies. Jaishankar’s visit, which will also take him to Denmark and Germany, is aimed at informing strategic partners in Europe about the country’s resolve to combat terrorism and the recent tensions with Pakistan. He will meet the leadership of the three countries in the course of the visit that will continue till May 24 and discuss bilateral ties and regional and global issues.