(Photo Credit: PM India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Netherlands on 16-17 May 2026, where India and the Netherlands upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership and signed multiple agreements across defence, trade, technology, energy, water management, and education.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Netherlands on 16-17 May 2026 at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Mr. Rob Jetten. This was PM Modi’s second visit to the Netherlands. During the visit, both countries agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a “Strategic Partnership.”
Prime Minister Modi met Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. He also held delegation-level and restricted talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in trade, defence, semiconductors, cyber security, AI, space, sustainability, water management, agriculture, renewable energy, maritime development, health, education, and cultural exchanges.
Both nations adopted a Strategic Partnership Roadmap to strengthen regular cooperation in political, economic, and technological sectors. They welcomed agreements signed in December 2025 on defence, semiconductors, digital cooperation, pharmaceuticals, and maritime heritage collaboration.
The leaders reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order and called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Netherlands for supporting India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
India and the Netherlands also welcomed the successful conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations earlier this year. Both leaders said the agreement would strengthen economic cooperation and open new opportunities for businesses and investments.
On global issues, the two countries expressed concern over the wars in Ukraine and West Asia. They called for dialogue, diplomacy, de-escalation, and freedom of navigation in international waters, including the Strait of Hormuz.
In defence and security, both nations signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation. They agreed to increase cooperation in defence manufacturing, maritime security, cyber security, and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Jetten strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism.
The two countries also strengthened ties in semiconductors, innovation, science, education, and critical minerals. Universities and research institutions from both countries signed several agreements to promote academic cooperation and technology development.
In energy cooperation, the Netherlands joined the Global Biofuel Alliance launched during India’s G20 Presidency. Both countries also launched the India-Netherlands Roadmap on Green Hydrogen and expanded collaboration in renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.
The leaders praised ongoing cooperation in water management, including projects under the Namami Gange Mission and the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat. They also discussed collaboration in maritime development, healthcare, agriculture, food systems, and clean technology.
On cultural relations, both countries welcomed the return of Chola-era copper plates from Leiden University to India and discussed strengthening cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and maritime heritage cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Jetten for the warm hospitality and invited him to visit India soon. Both leaders expressed confidence in expanding the India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership in the coming years.
Source: PM India
