Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to the Netherlands on 16-17 May for a two-day state visit aimed at signing a strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands and deepening bilateral cooperation across defence, semiconductors, water management, and green hydrogen. The visit — Modi's first to the country since 2017 — was confirmed in a statement by the Netherlands government.

Royal Audience and Palace Lunch

On 16 May, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will receive Prime Minister Modi in audience at Huis ten Bosch Palace, followed by a palace lunch attended by the Indian delegation. Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen will also be present, along with CEOs of Dutch companies and representatives from the arts, culture, and academia sectors.

Bilateral Talks and CEO Roundtable

Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten will receive Modi at the Catshuis, his official residence. The two leaders will participate in a roundtable discussion with CEOs of Dutch companies, hosted by Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Sjoerd Wiemer Sjoerdsma, who will also deliver an opening address. Both Prime Ministers are scheduled to conclude the discussion with brief speeches.

Later on 16 May, a cooperation agreement will be formally signed in the presence of both leaders. Various additional agreements forming part of the strategic partnership are also expected to be exchanged between the two nations.

Evening Delegation Meeting and Dinner

In the evening, Prime Minister Jetten will host Prime Minister Modi for a delegation-level meeting and an informal dinner at the Catshuis. Discussions are expected to cover cooperation in security, new technologies, water management, and the economy, as well as the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to the Netherlands government statement.

Trade, Investment and Strategic Context

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as an opportunity to build on high-level momentum and expand a multifaceted partnership spanning defence, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and a Strategic Partnership on Water. The MEA noted that the Netherlands is one of India's largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. The Netherlands is also India's 4th largest investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment of USD 55.6 billion.

Notably, this visit comes early in the tenure of the new Netherlands government, a timing the MEA said would help further deepen the bilateral relationship. Modi's visit concludes on 17 May.