Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrapped up a packed day of diplomatic and business engagements in the Netherlands, the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour, with discussions ranging from semiconductor cooperation and trade to cultural heritage and strategic ties. Modi’s visit underscored India’s growing partnership with the Netherlands, one of India’s largest European investors and an important player in technology, logistics and clean energy. Modi Meets Dutch PM, Focus On Trade And Strategic Ties PM Modi held bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, with discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in trade, semiconductors, clean energy, innovation and global supply chains. The two leaders reviewed progress in India-Netherlands relations and explored new areas of collaboration amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. The Netherlands remains India’s second-largest trading partner in Europe and among the biggest European investors in the country. Meeting With Dutch Royals Modi also met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during the visit. Met His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace. It was wonderful exchanging perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors like technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water resources. India and... pic.twitter.com/BmY5fDxY9t — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026 The engagement highlighted growing diplomatic ties between the two countries and came as India seeks deeper cooperation with European nations across technology, business and strategic sectors. Semiconductor Push: ASML-Tata Partnership In Focus One of the major themes of the visit was semiconductor cooperation. The PM highlighted the growing partnership between Tata Group and Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML, seen as important for India’s ambitions to become a global chip manufacturing hub. Strengthening cooperation in futuristic sectors! Prime Minister Rob Jetten and I witnessed the signing of the MoU between Tata and ASML for advancing the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India. ASML will support the setting up and scaling of Tata Electronics’ upcoming... pic.twitter.com/sQD6bdCfgp — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026 ASML is the world’s leading producer of advanced lithography machines essential for semiconductor manufacturing. The collaboration is expected to support India’s expanding electronics and chip ecosystem. Modi Addresses CEO Roundtable The Prime Minister interacted with leading Dutch business executives and industry representatives during a CEO roundtable. #WATCH | The Hague, Netherlands | At the CEO Round Table on Economic Ties, PM Narendra Modi says, “Recently, we have implemented next-generation reforms in areas such as taxation, labour codes, and governance. Manufacturing in India is now becoming very cost-effective.... pic.twitter.com/XRniaZLd1S — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2026 Speaking to business leaders, Modi pitched India as a major destination for investment and manufacturing, emphasising: India’s growing economy Ease of doing business reforms Expanding technology ecosystem Opportunities in clean energy and semiconductors The interaction aimed to encourage greater Dutch investment into India. Chola Copper Plates To Return To India A major cultural highlight of the visit was the formal announcement that rare 11th-century Chola Copper Plates will be repatriated from the Netherlands to India. Modi attended the ceremonial handover event and called the return a “joyous moment for every Indian”. A joyous moment for every Indian! Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates... pic.twitter.com/Zwu0QFc2ZJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026 The copper plates, preserved at Leiden University since the 19th century, contain Tamil inscriptions linked to the Chola Empire and are considered historically significant records. The move forms part of India’s broader effort to bring back cultural artefacts housed overseas. Diaspora Outreach Continues During the visit, Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, a recurring feature of his foreign tours. VIDEO | The Hague, Netherlands: During his address to members of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi highlighted how sports remain a strong link connecting India and the Netherlands, citing cricket and hockey as examples. Addressing the Indian community in The Hague, the Prime Minister... pic.twitter.com/OYREjSnMCP — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 16, 2026 The Prime Minister praised the Indian community’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding India’s global presence. Sweden Next On Modi’s 5-Nation Tour After concluding engagements in the Netherlands, Modi is set to travel to Sweden for the next leg of his five-country diplomatic tour. The broader tour has focused on strengthening India’s ties with Europe and key international partners across trade, defence, technology and global governance. The Netherlands stop highlighted a mix of diplomacy, technology partnerships, business outreach and cultural cooperation — themes likely to continue as Modi moves to Stockholm.