New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten have announced the elevation of India-Netherlands relations to the level of a strategic partnership following wide-ranging talks in The Hague.
Addressing the opening session of bilateral talks, Modi said relations between India and the Netherlands had witnessed strong progress over the last decade, driven by growing trade, investment, and cooperation in key sectors.
“The Netherlands is among India’s most important partners in Europe. Our ties are rooted in deep historical links and strong people-to-people relations,” Modi said.
The decision to upgrade ties comes as both countries seek stronger economic and strategic coordination at a time of global uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and increasing emphasis on sustainable growth and technology partnerships.
My talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten were extensive, covering a wide range of topics. One such area is defence and security-related. I spoke about the possibility of defence industrial roadmap at the earliest. We can also work together in sectors such as space, marine systems… pic.twitter.com/sMgKLOdmL8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
Trade and Investment Relations Expand
The Netherlands remains one of India’s biggest trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $27.8 billion during 2024-25. The European nation is also India’s fourth-largest foreign investor, with cumulative investments worth $55.6 billion.
During the talks, the two sides signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration across areas including water management, healthcare, education, renewable energy, ports, agriculture, and digital technology.
Modi said the partnership between India’s scale and the Netherlands’ technological expertise could open new opportunities across sectors.
“We need to take cooperation in innovation, sustainability, investment, and defense to new heights,” he said while formally announcing the strategic partnership framework.
Ahead of the bilateral meeting, Modi and Jetten interacted with leading Dutch business executives representing sectors such as energy, health, agriculture, logistics, ports, and advanced technology.
These are substantive and important outcomes that will add unparalleled momentum to the friendship between India and the Netherlands. These outcomes cover many sectors and will enhance growth and prosperity for our nations. https://t.co/k5LwK2qOYs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
The prime minister invited Dutch companies to increase investments in India and explore opportunities in maritime services, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Highlighting India’s economic transformation, Modi said that the country had introduced major reforms in taxation, labor laws, and governance to improve ease of doing business and create policy stability for investors.
“Manufacturing in India is becoming increasingly cost-effective, while the services sector has emerged as a global engine of innovation and efficiency,” Modi said.
Modi also pointed to India’s infrastructure expansion and rapid economic growth, describing the country as a symbol of “scale and stability.”
Prime Minister Rob Jetten and I joined the CEO Roundtable on Economic Ties in The Hague. The CEOs talked about their investments in India across diverse sectors.
In my remarks, highlighted India’s reform trajectory and emphasis on futuristic sectors. Invited companies to deepen… pic.twitter.com/YdcA8fy9XM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
Push for India-EU Trade Agreement
Both leaders also stressed the importance of accelerating negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to significantly enhance economic engagement between India and European nations.
Jetten welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral relations and said the strategic partnership would help both countries deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, climate action, trade, and security.
Modi’s visit to the Netherlands is part of his four-nation tour of Europe aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships across the continent and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and technology sectors.
