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Saturday, May 16, 2026

India, Netherlands Elevate Ties To Strategic Partnership After PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With Rob Jetten

India and the Netherlands on Saturday agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics. PM Modi arrived in The Hague on Friday for a two-day visit as part of his four-nation Europe tour aimed at deepening cooperation with key partners across sectors. The two countries also signed several agreements intended to strengthen collaboration in multiple areas. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f86BLXIrnAo?si=YkIJ09EKzoN-Di_-" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>Strategic Partnership Announced</h3> During the talks, PM Modi said India-Netherlands relations had witnessed considerable progress over the past decade. "There has been significant progress in India-Netherlands ties in last one decade," PM Modi said in his televised opening remarks during the talks with Dutch PM Jetten. The Netherlands remains one of India's major trading destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. The country is also India's fourth-largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment amounting to USD 55.6 billion. Referring to the longstanding relationship between the two countries, PM Modi said India viewed the Netherlands as one of its important partners because of the strong historical and people-to-people ties shared by both nations. "Democratic values, market economy and responsible behavior are part of our common approach. Our cooperation in areas of Water, healthcare and education has been making the lives of our people better," he said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/pm-modi-announces-return-of-11th-century-chola-copper-plates-from-netherlands-1844091">PM Modi Announces Return Of 11th-Century Chola Copper Plates From Netherlands</a> The prime minister also underlined India's rapid economic growth and stressed the need to combine Dutch expertise with India's capabilities. He further suggested that there should be convergence of the Netherlands' expertise and India's "speed and skill" in every sector. "We need to take our cooperation in areas of innovation, investment, sustainability and defence to new heights. Under this common vision, we are taking India-Netherlands relations to the level of strategic partnership," PM Modi said. Jetten, in his remarks, also referred to the expanding cooperation between the two countries and formally announced the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership. <h3>PM Modi Meets CEOs Of Leading Dutch Companies</h3> Ahead of the bilateral meeting, Modi and Jetten interacted with chief executives of leading Dutch companies operating in sectors including energy, ports, healthcare, agriculture, trade and technology. During the interaction, PM Modi invited Dutch firms to expand their engagement in India, particularly in maritime infrastructure, renewable energy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital technology and healthcare. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/sports/ipl/pm-modi-hails-dutch-coach-sjoerd-marijne-for-reshaping-indian-hockey-1844082">PM Modi Hails Dutch Coach Sjoerd Marijne For Reshaping Indian Hockey</a> "We are continuously reducing compliance and increasing the ease of doing business. We have recently carried out next-generation reforms in taxation, labour code, and governance," he told the business leaders. The prime minister said manufacturing in India was becoming increasingly cost-effective, while the services sector had emerged as a major driver of innovation and efficiency. "We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time for this than today," PM Modi said. <h3>PM Modi Highlights Economic Reforms</h3> Speaking about India’s economic trajectory, PM Modi described the country as a symbol of both scale and stability. He also pointed to policy continuity and reforms undertaken during his tenure. "Today's India is a symbol of scale and stability. In terms of scale, we are also the fastest-growing major economy in the world and the world's largest talent pool. Infrastructure, clean energy or connectivity – no one in the world can match India's speed," he said. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/xi-summit-trump-team-dumped-chinese-phones-badges-and-gifts-before-leaving-beijing-report-1844042">Trump Team Dumped Chinese Phones, Badges And Gifts Before Leaving Beijing After Xi Summit: Report </a> "And on the subject of stability, I have completed 12 years of serving as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy. In these 12 years, with continuous reforms, we have transformed our economic DNA. Our direction has been clear – to give policy predictability to the private sector and increase opportunities for them," he added. PM Modi said his government had opened up sectors such as space, mining and nuclear energy for private participation. The two prime ministers also emphasised the importance of early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (India-EU-FTA).

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-netherlands-elevate-ties-to-strategic-partnership-pm-modi-bilateral-talks-rob-jetten-the-hague-1844107

PM Modi invites Dutch companies to design, innovate, manufacture in India

The Hague, May 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invited Dutch companies to design, innovate and manufacture in India, saying the country offers immense opportunities. Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten, also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML to support the semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Gujarat. The two prime ministers also called for early implementation of the India-EU FTA. The FTA reinforces India and the European Union as trusted and reliable partners, committed to open markets, inclusive growth and resilient supply chains, an official release said. In his remarks at the CEO Roundtable, Modi said today's India is a symbol of scale and stability, and no country in the world can match its speed in infrastructure, clean energy, and connectivity. This is why India is contributing 17% to global growth, he said. Emphasising that the government has transformed India's economic DNA through continuous reforms, Modi said that to give policy predictability to the private sector and increase opportunities for them, the country has opened up space, mining, and nuclear energy. "We are continuously reducing compliance burdens and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business. Recently, we implemented next-generation reforms in areas such as taxation, labour codes, and governance," he said. Modi further said manufacturing in India is now becoming highly cost-effective, and in the services sector the country has become the engine of efficiency and innovation on the strength of its talent. He informed the gathering that all the global technology companies have opened up their global capability centres in India. "We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time for this than today," Modi said. The prime minister further said the year 2026 marks the beginning of a new 'Golden Era' in relations between India and Europe. "This year, we concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. This agreement between two of the world's largest democratic and responsible powers will serve as a strong foundation for shared prosperity," he said. To unlock the full potential of the FTA, Modi said he and Prime Minister Jetten are going to take several significant decisions today. "We are going to transform this trusted India-Netherlands partnership into a strategic partnership. We are launching an ambitious joint roadmap for Green Hydrogen. We are making our ties in the technology sector future-ready," he said. In his remarks at the roundtable, Modi also said that India and the Netherlands will further strengthen talent mobility, university partnerships, and joint R&D. In other words, the future of the India-Netherlands partnership is brighter than ever before, he said. "The strengthening strategic partnership between India and Europe is providing fresh impetus to our business relations. Moving forward at a faster pace in this direction now is in your hands. "I am fully confident that you will now expand your scope, investments, and ambitions in India. And along with you, Europe's entire innovation ecosystem will also come to India," Modi said. He noted that more than 300 Dutch companies are part of India story. The Netherlands is India's largest investor from Europe and second-largest trading partner. The business leaders made presentations on three clusters : semiconductors, technology and innovation; infrastructure, logistics and maritime; and sustainability, energy and agriculture; outlining their strategies for India, the release said. Ahead of the meeting, an agreement between ASML and Tata Electronics was signed in the presence of the two prime ministers. They welcomed the decision of Tata Electronics and ASML to partner together for India's first front-end semiconductor FAB in Dholera, Gujarat. The business leaders who attended the meeting, include Keith Svendsen (CEO, APM Terminals), Christophe Fouquet (President and CEO, ASML), Arnout Damen (CEO, Damen Shipyards Group), Dolf van den Brink (Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO, Heineken), Marjan Rintel (President and CEO, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines), Maurice Geraets (CEO, NXP Semiconductors Netherlands), Roy Jakobs (CEO, Philips), Boudewijn Siemons (CEO, Port of Rotterdam), and Occo Roelofsen (CEO, Power2X). Fabricio Bloisi (CEO, Prosus), Sander van't Noordende (CEO, Randstad), Martijn Eggink (Managing Director, Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel), Hans Huistra (CEO, Royal HZPC Group), Derk te Bokkel (CEO, Royal IHC), Dick Richelle (Chairman of the Executive Board & CEO, Royal Vopak), and Govert van Oord (CEO, Van Oord), too participated in the meeting. Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday from the UAE on the second leg of his five-nation tour to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence and renewable energy. Other countries in the official tour include Sweden, Norway and Italy. PTI NKD SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pm-modi-invites-dutch-companies-to-design-innovate-manufacture-in-india-1844102

Wes Streeting Launches PM Bid, Pushes For UK Return To European Union

Wes Streeting has formally launched his bid to become Britain’s next Prime Minister, declaring he would challenge Keir Starmer in any future Labour Party leadership contest and pushing for the UK to eventually rejoin the European Union. In his first major speech after resigning as health secretary, Streeting described Brexit as “a catastrophic mistake” and argued that Britain had become weaker since leaving the EU. “We need a new special relationship with the EU because Britain’s future lies with Europe, and one day, one day, back in the European Union,” Streeting said, according to Reuters. The UK formally left the European Union in 2020 after 47 years of membership following the 2016 Brexit referendum. Streeting said the current global climate had shown the need for closer cooperation with Europe to strengthen Britain’s economy, trade and defence. He argued that stronger ties with the EU would help counter shared challenges, including Russian aggression and the “America First” approach in global politics. <h2 data-section-id="np7fj1" data-start="1092" data-end="1141">Streeting Pushes For Labour Leadership Contest</h2> Streeting also urged Starmer to outline a timetable for his departure and called for a full leadership contest within the Labour Party. “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I will be standing,” he said while addressing a conference organised by the Progress group of Labour supporters. Under Labour Party rules, a challenger requires backing from at least 20 per cent of Labour MPs to trigger a leadership election. <h2 data-section-id="15wvmv6" data-start="1602" data-end="1639">Andy Burnham Also Signals Interest</h2> Alongside Streeting, Andy Burnham has also indicated interest in challenging Starmer. Burnham recently announced he would contest a by-election to return to Parliament, a necessary step before mounting a leadership challenge. Streeting said rushing into a leadership race before all candidates were able to participate would undermine the legitimacy of the process. “We could have rushed straight into a leadership contest knowing not all candidates would be on the pitch… and the new leader, whether it was me or anyone else, would lack legitimacy,” Streeting was quoted as saying by The Independent.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/wes-streeting-launches-pm-bid-pushes-for-uk-return-to-european-union-1844092

Friday, May 15, 2026

Trump Warns Taiwan Against Declaring Independence Hours After Xi Summit

Xi Trump Summit Taiwan: US President Donald Trump has cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China, underscoring Washington’s continued balancing act between supporting Taipei and maintaining stable ties with Beijing. Speaking to Fox News after wrapping up a two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said, “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent,” indicating his preference for preserving the current cross-strait status quo, as per reports. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has previously argued that a formal declaration is unnecessary because Taiwan already considers itself sovereign. While the United States remains legally bound to assist Taiwan’s defense, Washington officially recognizes only one Chinese government and has historically stopped short of openly backing Taiwanese independence. <h3>Questions Over US Military Commitment</h3> Trump said he had made “no commitment either way” regarding the possibility of defending Taiwan militarily in the event of conflict. Acknowledging Beijing’s firm stance against independence movements, he suggested that all parties should “cool down” tensions surrounding the issue. The remarks reflect a long-running strategic ambiguity in US policy toward Taiwan. Washington has continued supplying defensive support to the island while attempting to avoid direct confrontation with China over sovereignty claims. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWqPqDJWqiw?si=I_lXJ-qFvA8yZvqp" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ALSO READ: <a title="India Sounds Alarm Of Hormuz Risks At BRICS Meet In Presence Of Iran And UAE" href="https://ift.tt/QSqyMi8" target="_self">India Sounds Alarm Of Hormuz Risks At BRICS Meet In Presence Of Iran And UAE</a> Beijing has repeatedly criticized Taiwan’s leadership, with Chinese officials labeling Lai a “troublemaker” and accusing him of escalating instability across the Taiwan Strait. Despite growing Taiwanese identity on the island, public opinion in Taiwan largely favors maintaining the current arrangement rather than pursuing either formal independence or reunification with China. <h3>Trade Deals & Energy Security Also Featured in Summit</h3> Alongside geopolitical discussions, the summit produced several economic announcements. Trump claimed China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft in addition to increasing imports of American oil and soybeans. He described the arrangements as “fantastic trade deals,” although detailed terms were not immediately disclosed. ALSO READ: <a title="India To Build 30-Million-Barrel Strategic Oil Reserve In UAE, Boosting National Stockpile By 70%" href="https://ift.tt/CeFHumG" target="_self">India To Build 30-Million-Barrel Strategic Oil Reserve In UAE, Boosting National Stockpile By 70%</a> On Iran, Trump said Xi assured him that Beijing was not supplying military support to Tehran. China, meanwhile, issued a statement stressing the importance of restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments that has become increasingly sensitive amid regional tensions.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/xi-summit-trump-warns-taiwan-against-declaring-independence-hours-beijing-us-china-1843935

Iran Has ‘No Trust’ In US, Says Araghchi As Trump Grows Impatient With Ceasefire Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and would only engage in negotiations if Washington demonstrated genuine seriousness about reaching a settlement. His remarks came as efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement following last month’s ceasefire remained stalled. Speaking to reporters during a visit to New Delhi for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araghchi said the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remained highly sensitive and complex. The strategically crucial waterway is central to global oil and commodity shipments, carrying nearly a fifth of the world’s seaborne energy supplies under normal conditions. Araghchi also stated that vessels could continue passing through the Strait of Hormuz, provided they were not “at war” with Iran and coordinated movements with the Iranian navy. Tehran had effectively restricted most shipping activity through the strait after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in February. <h2>Hormuz Strait Remains at Centre of Global Concern</h2> In a post on X, Araghchi said he had informed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that Iran would continue to fulfil what he described as its “historical duty” of protecting security in the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow maritime corridor remains one of the world’s most strategically important trade routes, and disruptions there have raised fears across international energy and financial markets. While Tehran has signalled willingness to restore normal shipping conditions, uncertainty surrounding negotiations has kept tensions elevated. Araghchi expressed hope that diplomatic progress would eventually allow the full normalisation of traffic through the strait. He said Iran wanted the waterway to become “completely secured” once negotiations advanced towards a satisfactory conclusion. ALSO READ |  <h2>Pakistan-Mediated Talks Face Fresh Obstacles</h2> Talks between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Pakistan, have struggled to gain momentum after both sides rejected each other’s latest proposals last week. Although a ceasefire was announced last month, efforts to turn the fragile truce into a long-term agreement have faced repeated setbacks. Araghchi said “contradictory messages” from the United States had deepened Iranian doubts over Washington’s true intentions. However, he insisted the mediation process itself had not collapsed and described the negotiations as being in “difficulty” rather than entirely broken down. The Iranian foreign minister also pointed to a history of interrupted diplomacy, noting that two previous rounds of talks over the past 13 months were cut short after the United States and Israel launched air strike campaigns against Iran. <h2>Iran Signals Readiness for Diplomacy and Conflict</h2> Despite the stalled negotiations, Araghchi said Iran was continuing to support the current ceasefire in order to give diplomacy a chance. At the same time, he warned that Tehran remained prepared to resume fighting if necessary. Among the key sticking points in negotiations are Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. Both issues remain highly contentious and central to ongoing discussions between the two countries. Just hours before Araghchi’s comments, US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran was “running out”. Trump also revealed that he had discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that both leaders agreed Tehran must reopen the strait fully. ALSO READ |  <h2>Iran Welcomes China’s Diplomatic Role</h2> When asked whether Iran would support mediation efforts by Beijing, Araghchi welcomed any country capable of helping move diplomacy forward. “We have very good relations with China,” he said, describing the two countries as strategic partners. He added that Tehran believed China had “good intentions” and would welcome any constructive effort aimed at easing tensions and advancing negotiations. Araghchi reiterated that Iran hoped diplomatic efforts would ultimately lead to a stable resolution, allowing security to return fully to the Strait of Hormuz and enabling normal maritime traffic to resume without disruption.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-ceasefire-iran-has-no-trust-in-us-says-araghchi-as-trump-grows-impatient-with-ceasefire-talks-1843924

Trump returns from China visit, calls meeting with Xi 'G-2'

Washington, May 16 (PTI): US President Donald Trump returned from a visit to China, describing his discussions with President Xi Jinping as a meeting between the leaders of two great countries.Trump landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday evening, claiming to have secured significant trade agreements, including the sale of 200 aircraft from Boeing to China, with a promise for an additional 750. He also highlighted a commitment to support the American agriculture sector.The US President made a brief refuelling stop in Anchorage, Alaska, before returning.In an interview with Fox News following his meeting with Xi on Thursday, Trump said, "It's the two great countries. I call it the G-2. I think it'll go down as a very important moment in history." The Washington Post reported that Trump's remarks put China on an equal footing with the US, which was a goal Xi had sought to achieve during the visit."Over two days of meetings here, the carefully choreographed pageantry and the reciprocal gestures of friendship and respect between the world’s two most powerful men displayed a geopolitical dynamic that the Chinese have long craved and Americans had resisted," the Post said.Trump told Fox News that the relationship with Xi was important and suggested that China may not resort to any aggressive moves over Taiwan, at least till he is in office."It's not a takeover. They just don't want to see this place — we'll call it a place because nobody knows how to define it — but they don't want to see it go independent," Trump said."I don't think they'll do anything when I'm here. When I'm not here. I think they might, to be honest with you," Trump said."I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down. We're not looking to have wars, and if you kept it the way it is, I think China's going to be OK with that," Trump stated.The US President also informed that he had invited Xi to visit Washington in September. PTI SKU MPL MPL(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-returns-from-china-visit-calls-meeting-with-xi-g-2-1843922

PM Modi arrives in Netherlands on second leg of five-nation tour

Amsterdam, May 15 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his five-nation tour, during which he will hold talks with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence and renewable energy. PM Modi was received at the airport by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King; Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen; and India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin, along with other senior officials of the Dutch government. “Landed in Amsterdam. This visit to the Netherlands comes at a time when the India-EU Free Trade Agreement has given a major impetus to trade and investment linkages,” the prime minister said in a social media post soon after his arrival. “It offers an opportunity to deepen relations in areas like semiconductors, water, clean energy and more,” he added. Modi said he would hold talks with Prime Minister Jetten and call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The prime ministry also said he looked forward to addressing a community programme during the visit. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a social media post, said the visit would provide an "opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted India-Netherlands partnership and to engage with the largest Indian diaspora on mainland Europe". Modi arrived in the Netherlands after a brief stopover of around two-and-a-half hours in the United Arab Emirates, where he held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The PM's visit to the European nation from May 15 to 17 is his second trip to the country after his 2017 visit and comes at what officials described as an "important juncture" in India-Netherlands ties. Modi is also expected to interact with leading Dutch business leaders during the visit. MEA officials said the visit carries a “rich and substantive agenda” and is expected to consolidate the strategic dimensions of the partnership that have emerged through sustained engagement between the two countries. India and the Netherlands have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years beyond traditional sectors such as trade, investment and the priority areas of water, agriculture and health. The partnership has grown in strategic sectors, including technology, innovation, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education and the maritime domain, the MEA said. The Netherlands is one of India’s largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. It is also India’s fourth-largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment amounting to USD 55.6 billion, officials said. People-to-people ties remain a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. The Netherlands is home to more than 90,000 non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin, besides over 200,000 members of the Suriname-Hindustani community. Around 3,500 Indian students are currently enrolled in Dutch universities. Officials noted that Modi's visit to the Netherlands and three other European nations -- Sweden, Norway, and Italy -- comes against the backdrop of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement finalised earlier this year and the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2025. PTI SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pm-modi-arrives-in-netherlands-on-second-leg-of-five-nation-tour-1843918