Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Amsterdam on Saturday for a visit focused on deepening India’s economic and strategic engagement with the Netherlands as New Delhi seeks to strengthen partnerships with European nations in key emerging sectors.
Soon after arriving in the Dutch capital, Modi said in a post on social media platform X that the visit comes at a time when negotiations around the India-European Union free trade agreement have injected fresh momentum into trade and investment ties between the two sides.
“Arrived in Amsterdam. This visit to the Netherlands comes at a time when the free trade agreement between India and the EU has given a major boost to trade and investment relations. It provides an opportunity to strengthen ties in areas such as semiconductors, water, clean energy and more,” Modi said.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Modi also said he would interact with members of the Indian diaspora during a community event on May 16.
“I will hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and visit Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. I also look forward to addressing the community at a gathering on the morning of the 16th,” he said.
India and the Netherlands have significantly expanded bilateral cooperation in recent years, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, water management, climate adaptation, agriculture, digital technology and semiconductor manufacturing. The Netherlands is also one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment into India and serves as an important gateway for Indian companies operating in Europe.
The visit takes place as India and the European Union intensify efforts to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement aimed at boosting market access, increasing investments and building resilient supply chains amid continuing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
New Delhi has also been seeking deeper partnerships with European countries in critical technologies and green energy initiatives, with India and the Netherlands collaborating on projects related to green hydrogen, clean energy transition and high-technology innovation.