Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Netherlands counterpart Rob Jetten on Saturday, 17 May agreed to elevate the India-Netherlands bilateral relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership', following official talks at Jetten's residence Catshuis in The Hague. The two leaders also addressed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and called for an end to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has driven up energy prices in both countries.

Strategic Partnership and the Roadmap

The leaders adopted an ambitious Roadmap for Strategic Partnership, committing to deepen cooperation across trade and investment, defence and security, emerging and critical technologies, the maritime sector, renewable energy, and education. Following the official talks, 14 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed spanning technology, green energy, trade, mobility, water-agriculture-health (WAH), education, and culture. A Joint Statement was also adopted on the occasion.

'Both India and the Netherlands attach great importance to democracy, good governance and a world order based on rules and justice,' Prime Minister Jetten said in a post on social media platform X, noting that in times of international uncertainty it is vital that the Netherlands can rely on 'like-minded and valued allies such as India.'

Strait of Hormuz and West Asia Conflict

The Strait of Hormuz closure featured prominently in the bilateral discussions. Jetten noted that the resulting spike in energy prices had hit both the Netherlands and India hard. 'It's vital that this conflict be brought to an end and that a lasting solution be found,' he said in his X post. The two leaders also discussed the case involving the alleged abduction of Insiya to India by her father — a longstanding consular matter between the two nations.

ASML-Tata Semiconductor MoU and Economic Cooperation

A landmark moment of the visit was the signing of an MoU between Tata Electronics and ASML for the development of India's semiconductor ecosystem. ASML will support the establishment and scaling of Tata Electronics' future semiconductor factory in Dholera, Gujarat. Modi described the partnership as 'an important step toward closer collaboration in the field of semiconductors.'

On the economic front, both leaders acknowledged the transformative potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling for its early signing and implementation. Modi highlighted collaboration opportunities in fintech, critical minerals, green hydrogen, AI, and semiconductors. A CEO roundtable in The Hague saw Dutch business leaders discuss their investments across various sectors in India.

Defence, Space, and Maritime Cooperation

Modi said both sides discussed drawing up an action plan for the defence industry as quickly as possible, and identified collaboration potential in space travel, maritime systems, and maritime security. The leaders also committed to intensifying the Strategic Partnership on Water through collaboration on large-scale water projects, underscoring the WAH framework.

Cultural Ties and What Comes Next

On the cultural front, Modi thanked the Netherlands government for facilitating the return of 11th-century Chola plates to India. The two leaders also welcomed collaboration between Leiden University Library and the Archaeological Survey of India to advance knowledge of these historic artefacts. An agreement between Nalanda University and Groningen University was also noted.

Modi extended an invitation to Jetten to visit India, which the Dutch Prime Minister accepted. With the Strategic Partnership framework now in place and 14 agreements signed, the two countries are expected to move swiftly toward implementation — particularly in semiconductors, green energy, and defence.