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India, Netherlands set up joint working group on clean energy

Overview

The India–Netherlands Joint Working Group on Clean Energy is a bilateral cooperation mechanism established by the Government of India and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to coordinate engagement on clean energy transition, renewable power and related technology areas. The formation of the working group was reported on 17 May 2026.

Key facts

Mechanism Joint Working Group on Clean Energy
Participating countries India and the Netherlands
Reported 17 May 2026
Focus area Clean energy cooperation
Format Government-to-government working group

Background

India and the Netherlands have maintained long-standing diplomatic and economic relations, with energy emerging as a prominent area of engagement in recent years. The Netherlands is among India's significant European trading partners and has been involved in cooperation around offshore wind, green hydrogen, port-based energy logistics, water management and sustainable urban development. India, on its part, has pursued an expanding clean energy agenda anchored in commitments under the Paris Agreement, its updated Nationally Determined Contributions, and domestic targets for non-fossil installed capacity.

Bilateral exchanges in this space have included engagement on the National Green Hydrogen Mission, offshore wind development along the Indian coastline, and joint research and innovation through programmes administered by India's Department of Science and Technology and Dutch partner agencies.

Mandate and scope

Joint working groups of this nature typically serve as the principal institutional channel between the two governments to:

  • Identify priority areas of cooperation in clean energy.
  • Facilitate exchange of policy, regulatory and technical experience.
  • Coordinate joint projects, pilots and research initiatives.
  • Encourage participation of industry, public sector enterprises and research institutions.
  • Review progress and report to higher-level bilateral mechanisms.

Significance

The setting up of a dedicated working group formalises clean energy as a structured pillar of the India–Netherlands partnership. For India, the engagement supports access to Dutch expertise in areas such as offshore wind, hydrogen value chains, grid integration, and circular economy practices. For the Netherlands, it offers participation in one of the world's largest renewable energy expansion programmes and aligns with the European Union's broader clean energy diplomacy with India.

References

  • "India, Netherlands set up joint working group on clean energy", The Times of India, 17 May 2026.