India, Netherlands lay foundation for green hydrogen corridor

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s visit to the Netherlands set the stage for creating a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports to enable green hydrogen exports to Europe. Discussions with the Rotterdam Port Authority focused on digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics, aligned with India’s Maritime Vision 2030. 

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent visit to the Netherlands has laid the foundation for establishing a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports to facilitate green hydrogen exports to Europe, according to an official statement. The commerce ministry noted significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation between Indian ports and the Port of Rotterdam, particularly in digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics optimisation to boost bilateral trade.

Barthwal held discussions with Boudewijn Siemon, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, where both sides explored avenues such as knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices. The Rotterdam Port, being Europe’s largest and among the most advanced globally, offers strategic advantages in enhancing port operations and trade flows.

During the meeting, Barthwal underlined the potential for collaboration in modernising Indian ports in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to improve port capacity and logistics efficiency. “Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through joint initiatives in port digitalisation, green shipping, and logistics optimisation, which are critical to boosting bilateral trade flows,” the ministry said.

“The visit laid the groundwork for setting up of a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports like the Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and export of Green Hydrogen and carriers like Ammonia and Methanol from India to Europe, with the Port of Rotterdam acting as a gateway to Europe,” it added.

Barthwal also met Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, a global leader in photolithography systems, to discuss strengthening India-Netherlands cooperation in the semiconductor sector. “The discussions focused on leveraging ASML’s expertise to support India’s ambitions to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub,” the ministry said.

Earlier, in Croatia, Barthwal held talks with key officials to review progress on the India-EU free trade agreement.