India, May 17 -- India and the Netherlands have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and signed 17 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors including defence, critical minerals, technology and trade.

The decision was taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague.

The two countries unveiled a new strategic partnership roadmap covering defence and security, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space cooperation and green hydrogen initiatives.

Both leaders also agreed to explore opportunities for joint manufacturing of defence equipment through technology transfer and partnerships.

The discussions also focused...