The Netherlands is to work more closely with India in the fight against terrorism. In addition to extra information being shared, Indian officials will take a look at security at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal is in New Delhi, where he spoke at length this afternoon with his counterpart Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna. The two ministers also agreed to cooperate in combating piracy. 

According to the foreign ministry, trade was also on the agenda. The Netherlands is India's fifth largest investor, and trade between the two countries has increased substantially in the last ten years. Minister Krishna says there are still plenty of opportunities for Dutch investment in logistics, water management and communications.

The Netherlands is in favour of a free trade agreement between the European Union and India. Minister Rosenthal noted that progress had been made in India in the area of socially responsible enterprise.

Nevertheless, human rights, child labour, forced labour, women's rights and the position of sexual minorities were also discussed. Mr Rosenthal praised India for its progress in getting more children into education. He said his counterpart took note of the issues he raised.

(nc/imm)

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