India-Netherlands Ties Elevated to Strategic Partnership: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands has yielded a series of forward-looking agreements that position the bilateral relationship as a strategic partnership. Foreign Secretary (West) Siby George told media that both leaders reviewed progress in water, defence, trade, and technology. PM Modi presented India’s reform journey and its ambitious target of becoming a developed country by 2047. The two sides agreed to strengthen their existing strategic water partnership, drawing parallels between the Kalpasar project and Dutch dike technology. Defence cooperation will be boosted through implementation of last year’s MoU and the Netherlands’ entry into the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. A major highlight was the signing of the Tata-ASML agreement, which will support a semiconductor facility in Dholera and create high-value jobs. Additional discussions covered green hydrogen, AI, robotics, supply chain integration, and talent partnerships. Sixteen leading Dutch CEOs from key sectors participated in a roundtable with both Prime Ministers. Cultural diplomacy also featured, with the Netherlands returning ancient Chola copper plates to India. PM Modi noted on social media that the outcomes will drive growth and prosperity for both nations, while earlier posts stressed the importance of the India-EU FTA and cooperation in fintech, critical minerals, and education.