We are looking for durable relations with India: Dutch minister Robert Tieman
Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, The Netherlands
The Netherlands is looking for durable relations with India with enhanced co-operation in green and digital shipping, said its Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Robert Tieman.
Tieman who is leading a delegation of 25 Dutch companies held discussion with ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal and oversaw signing of various MoUs between the two countries on Monday.
“Netherlands wants to work closely with India. We want durable relations,” Tieman said.
While Dutch companies such as Boskalis, Royal IHC and Royal HaskoningDHV are partnering with Indian firms in areas of dredging and ship design, Tieman said there were opportunities for more collaborations.
This includes creation of a green and digital corridor between Rotterdam and Indian ports. While Netherlands is developing its own green hydrogen capacity, it estimates that it would have to rely on external partners for 40-70 per cent of its requirements. Towards this goal, the country is stitching partnerships with other countries. One such agreement was signed with Oman in April for establishing a liquid hydrogen corridor between Duqm and Amsterdam ports.
Along with green and digital shipping the Netherlands is also keen to offer its shipbuilding expertise to India.
Tieman said Dutch companies have expertise in dredgers, yachts and passenger vessels and would be keen to partner with India to support its shipbuilding ambitions.
In a X post, Sonowal said this partnership with the Netherlands will boost our cooperation in green shipping, port development and digital transformation, driving sustainability and growth for Amrit Kaal.
Along with a letter of intent on creation of green and digital sea corridor, agreements were signed in areas such as maritime financing, maritime development fund and joint research in green shipping technologies.
Published on October 28, 2025
