Prime Minister’s Office of India

05/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/16/2026 21:24

PM holds official talks with Prime Minister of Netherlands

PM holds official talks with Prime Minister of Netherlands

17 May, 2026

PM holds official talks with Prime Minister of Netherlands

Prime Minister Shri 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.

Thank you, Prime Minister Rob Jetten. I am happy to be here in the Netherlands with the aim of further cementing our bilateral cooperation. Over the past decade, the India-Netherlands partnership has made remarkable progress. And, now is the time to do even more so that the… https://t.co/eCm5ZzQf3v

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

My talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten were extensive, covering a wide range of topics. One such area is defence and security-related. I spoke about the possibility of defence industrial roadmap at the earliest. We can also work together in sectors such as space, marine systems… pic.twitter.com/sMgKLOdmL8

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

Economic cooperation is a key pillar of the India-Netherlands friendship. The India-EU FTA offers infinite possibilities. There is immense scope to work together in fintech, critical minerals, semiconductors, green hydrogen and AI. We also discussed ways to enhance cultural… pic.twitter.com/AEskHlVIgz

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

Dank u wel, premier Rob Jetten. Ik ben blij hier in Nederland te zijn met als doel onze bilaterale samenwerking verder te versterken. De afgelopen tien jaar heeft het partnerschap tussen India en Nederland ongelooflijke vooruitgang geboekt. En nu is het tijd om daar nog meer… https://t.co/eCm5ZzQf3v

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

Mijn gesprekken met premier Rob Jetten waren uitgebreid en bestreken een breed scala aan onderwerpen. Een daarvan was defensie en veiligheid. Ik sprak over de mogelijkheid om zo snel mogelijk een stappenplan voor de defensie-industrie op te stellen. We kunnen ook samenwerken in… pic.twitter.com/hwgrBZzCsC

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

Economische samenwerking is een belangrijke pijler van de vriendschap tussen India en Nederland. De vrijhandelsovereenkomst tussen India en de EU biedt oneindige mogelijkheden. Er is enorm veel ruimte voor samenwerking op het gebied van fintech, kritieke mineralen, halfgeleiders,… pic.twitter.com/IQxBFrdClL

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

PM @narendramodi held productive talks with PM Rob Jetten covering a wide range of subjects. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in maritime security, space and marine systems, including the possibility of an early defence industrial roadmap.

The two leaders… pic.twitter.com/GbjKTD5LAt

- PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 16, 2026
Prime Minister’s Office of India published this content on May 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 17, 2026 at 03:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]