India and the Netherlands have agreed to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, with both countries committing to strengthen resilient global health supply chains amid a broader global shift in the sourcing of medicines, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and medical devices.
The two sides emphasized the need to expand bilateral collaboration in healthcare, particularly in tackling global public health challenges such as infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. They also agreed to promote cooperation in digital health, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, along with capacity building initiatives.
Both countries welcomed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Healthcare and Public Health and discussed new areas of collaboration, including women’s health, climate and health preparedness, and knowledge exchange on sustainable healthcare systems.
In line with the renewed MoU, the leaders also welcomed the recently signed Letter of Intent between the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The partnership will focus on infectious diseases, vector-borne diseases, One Health, and disease surveillance.
Reaffirming their commitment under the India-Netherlands strategic partnership, both leaders stressed the importance of closer cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices to ensure high-quality, affordable, safe, and sustainable healthcare.
The first Joint Working Group meeting under the newly signed MoU is scheduled to be held in 2026. The meeting will focus on implementing the agreement, identifying new opportunities for collaboration, and advancing cooperation in areas such as academic partnerships, regulatory coordination, business engagement and market access.