Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, on Tuesday to explore new avenues for collaboration in maritime, waste management, and water sectors, aimed at strengthening the Indo-Dutch partnership.

In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Robert Tieman, Ambassador Marisa Gerards, CG Nabil Taouati, and the Dutch delegation in Mumbai. We had positive discussions about opportunities in maritime, integrated waste management, and water sectors, further strengthening Indo-Dutch cooperation.”

Focus on green and digital maritime corridors

Minister Tieman highlighted the Netherlands’ expertise in port infrastructure, noting that the Port of Rotterdam could serve as a model for development in India. “We can bring our experience in building and expanding major ports to different parts of India,” he said.

He also mentioned a Letter of Intent signed with India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, to explore green and digital sea corridors between Mumbai and Rotterdam, linking India’s western coast with the gateway of Europe.

Strengthening Indo-Dutch collaboration

Speaking to ANI, Tieman said the Netherlands was looking to enhance energy resilience, with hydrogen cooperation being a key focus. “India is very important for us. I’m here fulfilling a wish of the Dutch Parliament to deepen our engagement with India and explore complementary strengths,” he added.

Tieman underscored that India and the Netherlands share similar business and cultural values, making collaboration both strategic and practical from a geopolitical standpoint.

Maritime cooperation gains momentum

Earlier on Monday, Tieman met Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, where the two signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation and a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish the Green and Digital Sea Corridor.

Sonowal said in a post, “A landmark day for India and the Netherlands’ maritime relations! This partnership will boost cooperation in green shipping, port development, and digital transformation, driving sustainability and growth during Amrit Kaal.”

The new partnership is expected to enhance India’s port infrastructure, promote environmentally sustainable maritime operations, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.