New Delhi, May 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held official talks today with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Rob Jetten, at the Dutch Prime Minister’s official residence (Catshuis) in The Hague.

The two Prime Ministers held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening the India-Netherlands relationship. Reflecting the shared values and trust, as well as increasing convergence and growing cooperation between the two countries, the leaders decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership”. They also agreed to adopt an ambitious Roadmap for Strategic Partnership to deepen cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security, emerging and critical technologies, maritime sector, renewable energy and education. Taking note of expanding business, investment, technology and innovation partnerships, the leaders noted that opportunities presented by the Indian growth story offer promising business prospects to Dutch companies.

Both leaders noted with satisfaction the progress in bilateral cooperation driven by continuous high-level exchanges. Underscoring the significance of cooperation in WAH [Water, Agriculture and Health], they agreed to further intensify the Strategic Partnership on Water through collaboration on large-scale water projects. The Prime Ministers also welcomed the expanding cooperation across key sectors, including healthcare research, digital health, agriculture, and food safety.

During the talks, the leaders attached importance to expanding the trade and investment relationship between the two countries. Acknowledging the transformative potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, they called for its early signing and implementation. They also affirmed that India-Netherlands cooperation in critical minerals will support resilient supply chains.

The two leaders also called for greater collaboration in emerging technologies, including AI and Semiconductors. They also encouraged holding of hackathon involving the youths of the two countries. Committing to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, they highlighted the importance of cooperation in green hydrogen, biofuels, green shipping and maritime logistics to ensure a sustainable future. Both Prime Ministers expressed support for the new initiatives undertaken to strengthen mobility partnership and cooperation in higher education. In this regard, they took special note of the agreement concluded between Nalanda University and Groningen University.

Highlighting the strong cultural relations between the two nations, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Dutch Government for facilitating the return of the 11th-century Chola plates. In this regard, the two leaders also welcomed the collaboration between Leiden University Library and the Archaeological Survey of India, which will help advance knowledge of these historic artefacts.

Following the official talks, 14 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were concluded in the fields of technology,green energy, trade, mobility, WAH, education and culture [Link]. A Joint Statement [Link] as well as the Roadmap on Strategic Partnership [Link] were adopted on the occasion of the Visit.

Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Jetten to visit India which he accepted.

India and the Netherlands enjoy a strong bilateral relationship grounded in shared democratic values and multi-faceted cooperation across diverse sectors. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Netherlands marks a significant milestone in this partnership.

The Hague, May 16: India and the Netherlands on Saturday decided to elevate their relationship to the strategic partnership level following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten amid shifting global geopolitics.

Modi began his two-day visit to The Hague on Friday as part of four-nation trip to Europe that is aimed at ramping up bilateral ties in a range of key areas.

India and the Netherlands also inked a number of agreements to further enhance their cooperation in a range of areas.

“There has been significant progress in India-Netherlands ties in last one decade,” Modi said in his televised opening remarks during the talks with Dutch PM Jetten.

Netherlands is one of India’s largest trading destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade touching USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. The European nation is India’s fourth largest investor with cumulative foreign direct investment of USD 55.6 billion.

In his remarks, the prime minister said India considers the Netherlands among its most important partners as the historical and people to people relations between the two sides are “deep” rooted.

“Democratic values, market economy and responsible behavior are part of our common approach. Our cooperation in areas of Water, healthcare and education has been making the lives of our people better,” he said.

Modi also highlighted India’s economic growth.

The prime minister suggested that there should be convergence of the Netherlands’ expertise and India’s “speed and skill” in every sector.

“We need to take our cooperation in areas of innovation, investment, sustainability and defence to new heights. Under this common vision, we are taking India-Netherlands relations to the level of strategic partnership,” Modi said.

In his comments, Jetten also highlighted various key aspects of growing ties between the two countries and announced elevating the relations to the level of strategic partnership.

Ahead of the bilateral talks, PM Modi, along with Jetten, interacted with prominent CEOs of leading Dutch companies across various sectors such as energy, ports, health, agriculture trade, and technology, among others.

Modi invited Dutch companies to explore opportunities in India, particularly in maritime, renewable energy, digital technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and healthcare sectors.

“We are continuously reducing compliance and increasing the ease of doing business. We have recently carried out next-generation reforms in taxation, labour code, and governance,” he told the business leaders.

Modi said manufacturing in India is becoming very cost-effective, and in the services sector, it has become the engine of efficiency and innovation.

“We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time for this than today,” Modi said.

“Today’s India is a symbol of scale and stability. In terms of scale, we are also the fastest-growing major economy in the world and the world’s largest talent pool. Infrastructure, clean energy or connectivity – no one in the world can match India’s speed,” he said.

“And on the subject of stability, I have completed 12 years of serving as the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy. In these 12 years, with continuous reforms, we have transformed our economic DNA. Our direction has been clear – to give policy predictability to the private sector and increase opportunities for them,” he added.

Modi said his government has opened up every sector for the private sector, be it space, mining or nuclear energy.

The two prime ministers underlined the importance of early implementation of the India-EU-FTA.