PM MODI IN NETHERLANDS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on 16 May 2026 for the second leg of his five-nation European tour. Undertaken at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, this visit—spanning The Hague and Amsterdam—aimed primarily to strengthen the strategic partnership through 2026–2030, forge agreements in the fields of semiconductors and green energy, and facilitate the repatriation of historical artifacts.

Upon his arrival in the Netherlands, he received a grand welcome. The reception featured dance performances in various styles, including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. It also featured a Garba performance. This marks the Prime Minister's second visit to the Netherlands; he had previously visited the country in 2017.

Prime Minister Modi's visit is part of India's ongoing efforts, spanning the last few years, to deepen its ties with Europe. These efforts culminated earlier this year in the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and represent a major initiative to expand alliances at a time when the United States is no longer the stable partner it was once perceived to be.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND AGREEMENTS

During this high-level visit, several major decisions were taken to promote trade, technology, and cultural cooperation between the two countries. Some of them are given below:

Strategic Partnership:The roadmap for the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership (2026–2030) has been finalized.

Semiconductor Agreement:A significant agreement was signed between Tata Electronics and the Dutch company ASML to boost India's 'Make in India' initiative.

Historic Repatriation:The Netherlands respectfully handed over historic 11th-century Chola copper plates to India.

Bilateral Talks: During a meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed covering subjects such as energy, technology, water management, and education.

Royal Audience: PM Modi also met with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

Cooperation in the Water and Green Energy Sectors

A Letter of Intent regarding technical cooperation for Gujarat's Kalpasar Project was issued between India's Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Furthermore, a consensus was reached on establishing several joint agreements and working groups concerning green hydrogen cooperation, renewable energy, and energy transition projects.

Agriculture and Dairy Sectors to Receive a Boost

An agreement has been reached to establish an Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for floriculture in West Tripura. Additionally, an Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for dairy training will be set up at the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence for Animal Husbandry. A joint declaration regarding cooperation in the animal husbandry and dairy sectors was also issued by both countries.

Partnership in Health and Education Also Strengthened

A Letter of Intent was signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands to foster cooperation in the health sector. Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding was agreed upon between the two countries to facilitate collaboration in the field of higher education.

Agreements between Universities and the ASI

An agreement on academic cooperation was reached between Nalanda University and the University of Groningen. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Leiden University Libraries and the Archaeological Survey of India. Agreements between Universities and the ASI.

Agreement on Customs Cooperation as well

An agreement on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters was also concluded between India and the Netherlands, which will help make trade processes even more streamlined and transparent. Agreement on Customs Cooperation as well.

PM MODI DESCRIBED THE AFFECTION OF THE INDIAN DIASPORA AS UNFORGETTABLE

During the visit, a large number of Indian expatriates and local citizens in The Hague accorded a warm welcome to PM Modi. Addressing the Indian community, the Prime Minister lauded India's progress, its culture, and the contributions of Indians living abroad.

Modi also highlighted the challenges that currently stand as formidable problems confronting humanity. This decade has turned into a decade of disasters. The world is grappling—first with COVID-19, then with war, and now with an energy crisis. If the situation does not change, the progress achieved over several decades will be undone, and a vast segment of the global population will become trapped in the quagmire of poverty.

Addressing a community event held in The Hague, PM Modi remarked that, observing the atmosphere here today, it feels as though The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship. This demonstrates that while the color of a passport may change, one's address may change, and even time zones may shift, the warmth of the children of Mother India—and their spirit of celebrating life—always remains constant.

BRIEF HISTORY OF BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND NETHERLAND

Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1947, the same year India became independent. The India–Netherlands interaction in one form or another date back to the early 17th century as far as 1605, when the Dutch entered the Mughal Empire for trading purposes. Dutch presence on the Indian subcontinent lasted from 1605 to 1825.

Merchants of the Dutch East India Company first established themselves in Dutch Coromandel, notably Pulicat, as they were looking for textiles to exchange with the spices they traded in the East Indies. Apart from textiles, the items traded in Dutch India include precious stones, indigo, and silk across India, saltpeter and opium in Dutch Bengal, and pepper in Dutch Malabar.