India and Netherlands Forge Strategic Partnership Amid Global Shifts
India, Netherlands elevating ties to strategic partnership, says PM Modi

Image: The Hindu
On May 16, 2026, India and the Netherlands elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The partnership aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, innovation, and sustainability.
- 01Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands reached $27.8 billion in 2024-25.
- 02The Netherlands is India's fourth largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment of $55.6 billion.
- 03Modi emphasized the need for convergence between Dutch expertise and India's speed and skill across sectors.
- 04PM Modi invited Dutch companies to explore opportunities in maritime, renewable energy, digital technologies, and healthcare in India.
- 05The two leaders discussed the importance of the early implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
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During his visit to The Hague on May 15-16, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. This decision reflects the changing dynamics of global geopolitics and aims to enhance cooperation in several sectors. Modi noted that India considers the Netherlands one of its key partners, highlighting the historical and deep-rooted people-to-people ties. With bilateral trade reaching $27.8 billion in 2024-25, the Netherlands stands as India's fourth largest investor, contributing $55.6 billion in foreign direct investment. Modi called for a convergence of Dutch expertise with India's rapid development, particularly in innovation, investment, sustainability, and defense. He also invited Dutch companies to explore opportunities in various sectors, including maritime and renewable energy, emphasizing India's reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. The two leaders also stressed the importance of implementing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) promptly, further solidifying their commitment to a robust partnership.
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This strategic partnership is expected to create new business opportunities for Indian and Dutch companies, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth.
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