Tue Apr 01 14:19:48 UTC 2025: ## Dutch Minister Warns of US Tariff Retaliation, Urges India-EU Cooperation

**New Delhi, April 1, 2025** – Ahead of anticipated reciprocal tariffs from the United States, Netherlands Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp issued a warning, emphasizing Europe’s planned “unitary, proportional, and robust” response. During a two-day visit to India, Veldkamp stressed the potentially unproductive and inflationary consequences of the US tariffs on the American economy itself.

He advocated for close collaboration between the EU and India, stating, “It is important to compare notes between the EU member states and India on these matters, because these [tariffs] affect all of us.” The minister expressed surprise at the impending US tariffs, highlighting their negative impact on global trade and prosperity.

Veldkamp’s visit included meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, covering a broad range of issues including trade, investment, defense, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, and renewable energy. The Netherlands and India are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors and critical technologies later this year.

The timing of the US tariffs is particularly sensitive given ongoing India-US Bilateral Trading Agreement (BTA) negotiations, which aim to reduce Indian tariffs and expand market access in sectors like agriculture and dairy. Veldkamp acknowledged the importance of observing India’s concessions in the BTA negotiations, suggesting the EU might expect similar concessions in the parallel India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) talks. The Netherlands, a major dairy exporter, is closely watching these developments. Veldkamp highlighted the Netherlands’ leading role in semiconductor processing equipment and its desire to collaborate with India’s ambitions to become a global semiconductor hub.

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