THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Venu Rajamony, India’s ambassador-designate to the Netherlands, said on Monday his focus will be on using historical links between the two countries to develop a new relationship.
Rajamony, who will take over as the envoy on June 10, was in Thiruvananthapuram as part of a ‘Bharat Darshan’ programme, covering people and industries that can further the diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands.
‘’India in general, and Kerala in particular, enjoy historical relationship with the Netherlands. Sadly, both nations have forgotten it,” the 1986 batch IFS officer said during a meet-the-press programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.
There is scope for collaboration between the two countries in various sectors including tourism, healthcare, commerce and investment, said Rajamony, who stepped down as President Pranab Mukherjee’s press secretary on Friday.
Around 200 Indian companies operate in the Netherlands. Efforts will be made to channelise such links to benefit various national initiatives like Make in India, Skill India and the Smart City programme, he said.
Netherlands can assist India in addressing various problems, including water management, civilian, maritime projects, waste management, water recycling and prevention of coastal erosion, he said.
“But I see it as a two-way flow, a win-win situation for both countries,” said Venu Rajamony. India can offer its management skills, human resources and entrepreneurial abilities, he said. “Indian scientists and research institutions have the ability to support their programmes,” he said.
During his Bharat Darshan, Rajamony will cover Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi (Muziris Project), Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Mumbai. He remembers Pranab Mukherjee as the President who ‘democratised’ the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.