The Hague, 20 May

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and thanked him for the Netherlands’ firm and resolute stance against terrorism.

Jaishankar is on the first leg of his three-nation trip that will also take him to Denmark and Germany.

It is Jaishankar's first foreign visit after the four-day-long military confrontation between the Indian and Pakistani armed forces following the Pahalgam attack.

"Delighted to call on PM Dick Schoof today in The Hague. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and thanked him for the Netherlands’ firm and resolute stance against terrorism," Jaishankar posted on X.

"Appreciate his commitment to taking the India-Netherlands partnership to newer heights. Assured that our teams will work hard to achieve these goals," he posted.

Schoof said he was happy to receive Jaishankar at the Catshuis, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

"First of all, I expressed my support for India's fight against terrorism after the terrible attack last month in Pahalgam. It is good for all parties that the violence between India and Pakistan has not escalated further," he said on X.

India carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on 7 May in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on 8, 9 and 10 May. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on 10 May to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

Schoof said he discussed the bilateral strategic partnership during his talks with Jaishankar.

"This concerns long-term cooperation between the Netherlands and India in areas such as trade, innovative technology, agriculture and security. In a changing world, it is important for both the Netherlands and India that we can continue to count on each other," he added.

He said he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Netherlands soon to discuss this further.

Jaishankar on Monday met his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, and Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.