India, Netherlands Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership During PM Modi’s Visit

The Hague, May 2026 : India and the Netherlands on Saturday elevated their bilateral ties to the level of a “Strategic Partnership” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten at the latter’s official residence, Catshuis, in The Hague.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, defence, emerging technologies, renewable energy, maritime affairs, education, and cultural exchange.

Reflecting the growing trust, shared democratic values, and increasing convergence between the two countries, both Prime Ministers agreed to adopt an ambitious Roadmap for Strategic Partnership that will guide bilateral cooperation in the coming years.

The roadmap seeks to deepen engagement in key areas such as defence and security, critical technologies, semiconductors, maritime logistics, green energy, mobility, and higher education.

The MEA said the leaders noted with satisfaction the rapid expansion of business, investment, technology, and innovation partnerships between India and the Netherlands. Both sides acknowledged that India’s economic growth and expanding industrial ecosystem present significant opportunities for Dutch companies and investors.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten also reviewed the progress achieved through continuous high-level interactions between the two nations and expressed confidence that the newly adopted strategic framework would accelerate bilateral cooperation further.

A major focus of the talks was the long-standing collaboration in the WAH sectors — Water, Agriculture, and Health — which remain important pillars of the India-Netherlands partnership.

Both leaders agreed to intensify the existing Strategic Partnership on Water by collaborating on large-scale water management and infrastructure projects. The Netherlands is globally recognised for its expertise in water engineering and flood management, areas in which India is increasingly seeking advanced technological cooperation.

The two Prime Ministers also welcomed growing cooperation in healthcare research, digital health services, food safety, and agricultural innovation, noting that these sectors hold enormous potential for future collaboration.

Trade and investment relations featured prominently during the discussions. Both leaders stressed the importance of further expanding bilateral economic ties and called for the early conclusion and implementation of the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The two sides observed that the India-EU FTA would create transformative opportunities for businesses, enhance market access, and strengthen economic integration between India and Europe.

India and the Netherlands also discussed cooperation in critical minerals, an area increasingly viewed as essential for resilient global supply chains and advanced manufacturing industries.

The leaders additionally emphasised the importance of collaboration in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and innovation-driven industries.

To strengthen innovation partnerships between young people of both nations, the two countries agreed to encourage hackathons and youth-led technology initiatives involving students, startups, and researchers.

Renewable energy cooperation emerged as another major area of engagement during the talks. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sustainable development and green growth.

The leaders highlighted the importance of working together in sectors such as green hydrogen, biofuels, green shipping, and maritime logistics to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The two countries also expressed support for new initiatives aimed at strengthening mobility partnerships and expanding collaboration in higher education.

In this regard, both leaders welcomed the agreement reached between India’s Nalanda University and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, which is expected to boost academic exchange, research collaboration, and educational partnerships.

Cultural relations between the two countries were also discussed extensively. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Dutch government for facilitating the return of the historic 11th-century Chola copper plates to India.

The return of the ancient artefacts has been viewed as an important step in preserving India’s cultural heritage and strengthening cultural cooperation between the two nations.

The leaders also welcomed collaboration between Leiden University Library and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which will support research and scholarly work related to the historic Chola artefacts.

Following the official talks, India and the Netherlands signed 14 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering technology, trade, green energy, mobility, education, culture, and WAH cooperation.

A joint statement and the official Roadmap for Strategic Partnership were formally adopted during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.

Prime Minister Modi also invited Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten to visit India, an invitation that was accepted by the Dutch leader.

The MEA noted that India and the Netherlands already share a strong and multi-dimensional relationship rooted in democratic values, economic cooperation, and growing strategic alignment.

It added that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Netherlands marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations and is expected to further deepen cooperation across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural sectors.

Team Maverick.