The G20 New Delhi declaration was a compromise, as expected from a multilateral forum, according to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who was pleased that India mediated it…
India hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. Rutte attended. His economic mission took him to Bengaluru.
“It was a compromise, as usual with multilateral teams like the G20. I was pleased that the declaration included important elements. However, if I had written it myself, it would have been different, but we were with a lot of people. Good that India mediated a declaration “Rutte said.
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In an informal press conference, reporters asked him if he liked the New Delhi declaration, particularly the Ukraine paragraphs, or if it was a compromise.
Rutte also stressed the need to strengthen the India-Netherlands relationship beyond economics.
“I met with Narendra Modi yesterday. We know each other well and discussed how to elevate our relationship to a more strategic level, not only economically but also security-wise. This is a broad-based relationship “said.
He added, “That being said, we really are very proud to be part of that journey.” Four or five years from now, India will be the third largest economy.
In Bengaluru, the Netherlands Prime Minister met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Ministers M B Patil and Priyank Kharge, and top officials.
He was asked to comment on a UPI-purchased cup of coffee before visiting a Church Street mural by Indian and Dutch artists to commemorate 75 years of Dutch-Indian diplomatic relations.
“I’m not an expert because I don’t understand its implications, but it looks simple. The experience was fascinating “said.
Answering whether Netherlands’ fast payment system was being linked to India’s UPI, he said, “We are discussing it. Not linking, but understanding what you’re doing (India). But privacy, banking, and currency stability are major issues. We must address all those issues, but it is a serious development.”
In his meeting with Karnataka government representatives, Rutte said the state is as big as Germany in population and the administration is practical and action-oriented.
“I was impressed that the ministers and deputy chief minister are focusing on solving problems rather than just restating policies. It impresses Dutch businesspeople “said.
Consulate officials said Rutte met with Indian companies doing business with the Netherlands and participated in a roundtable discussion with Dutch companies in Karnataka in Bengaluru.
He replied to questions about investment proposals and sectors: “We are discussing with the central government how to establish a semiconductor industry in Bengaluru. We have Netherlands-based NXP.”
He noted that large Indian companies like Wipro and others are successful in the Netherlands, saying, “I spoke to Infosys and others today. India has a large chip design industry and a rich ICT network.
The next step India wants to take is semiconductor and chip production, which will take time, and we’re excited to be part of it.”
