Leaders announce roadmap for cooperation in defence, technology, trade, energy and education
TFP Bureau, The Hague, May 18, 2026: India and the Netherlands have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during Modi’s official visit to the Netherlands on May 16–17.
The visit, Modi’s second to the European nation, was marked by extensive discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in areas including defence, emerging technologies, trade and investment, water management, renewable energy and education.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was hosted by King Willem‑Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, where the leaders held a bilateral meeting and attended a luncheon in honour of the Indian Prime Minister.
Strategic Partnership Roadmap
Prime Ministers Modi and Jetten held restricted and delegation-level talks, recalling the long-standing historical trade ties and strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. Recognising growing convergence in several sectors, the leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership and adopted a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen cooperation.
The roadmap envisages structured collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including political dialogue, trade and investment, defence and security, cyber security, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space technology, sustainability, agriculture, water management, climate action, maritime development and cultural exchanges.
The two sides also welcomed agreements signed in December 2025 covering defence cooperation, semiconductor technology, digital and cyber collaboration, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the establishment of a Joint Trade and Investment Committee.
Strengthening Global and Multilateral Cooperation
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values, human rights and a rules-based international order. They also supported reform of the United Nations system, including expansion of the UN Security Council, with the Netherlands reiterating support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed council.
The leaders welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement earlier this year and said it would deepen economic ties between the European Union and India amid global economic challenges.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
Highlighting the strength of economic relations, the two leaders noted that the Netherlands continues to be a key trade and investment partner for India. With its advanced logistics infrastructure and the Port of Rotterdam serving as a gateway to Europe, the Netherlands provides Indian exporters strategic access to European markets.
At the same time, India offers a large and dynamic market for Dutch companies, supported by a business-friendly environment and a vast pool of skilled talent.
The leaders also welcomed a new agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, aimed at improving information exchange between customs authorities and facilitating legitimate trade.
Defence, Security and Counter-Terrorism
India and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation, including closer coordination between their defence ministries, joint research and training initiatives, and greater collaboration in defence manufacturing.
The leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms. Prime Minister Jetten expressed solidarity with India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025, and reiterated support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in cyber security, counter-terrorism, maritime security and emerging security threats posed by new technologies.
Technology, Innovation and Education
A major focus of the discussions was collaboration in semiconductors and emerging technologies, with both countries signing a Memorandum of Understanding to promote joint research, investment and talent exchange in the sector.
The leaders welcomed expanding cooperation between leading universities and research institutions in both countries, including partnerships involving Indian Institutes of Technology and Dutch universities.
Energy Transition and Climate Cooperation
India and the Netherlands agreed to intensify cooperation in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, including the development of green hydrogen, biofuels and circular economy initiatives.
The two countries also launched an India–Netherlands Roadmap for Green Hydrogen Development, aimed at supporting India’s ambitions to become a global hub for green hydrogen production.
Water Management and Agriculture
Recognising the Netherlands’ global expertise in water management, both sides highlighted ongoing cooperation under the Strategic Partnership on Water, including joint initiatives related to river management, urban water systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The leaders also reviewed collaboration in agriculture and food systems, including joint Centres of Excellence promoting high-tech farming, greenhouse cultivation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Both countries emphasised the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders welcomed initiatives to strengthen mobility of students, professionals and researchers through a new Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility.
Cultural cooperation will also expand through museum partnerships, art exhibitions and heritage initiatives, including collaboration between the National Maritime Museum of Amsterdam and India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat.
The visit concluded with both leaders expressing confidence that the newly announced Strategic Partnership will open new avenues of cooperation across multiple sectors. Prime Minister Modi also invited Prime Minister Jetten to visit India at an early date.
