India and the Netherlands have elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague.
The two leaders adopted an ambitious roadmap spanning semiconductors, defence cooperation, clean energy, and water management, marking what Modi described as the onset of a "golden era" in India-Europe relations.
At the heart of the upgraded ties is a landmark agreement between Tata Electronics and Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML to support India's first commercial 300mm chip fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat.
The partnership, involving a planned investment of $11 billion, will deploy ASML's advanced lithography technology to manufacture semiconductors for automotive, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence applications.
MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George described the collaboration as "game-changing" for India's semiconductor ecosystem.
The two nations also adopted an ambitious Green Hydrogen Roadmap aimed at supporting India's production, usage, and export of green hydrogen, alongside progress on developing a green and digital sea corridor connecting Indian and Dutch ports.
A Letter of Intent was signed for technical cooperation on the Kalpasaar project in Gujarat, while both sides agreed to establish a water centre of excellence at IIT Delhi, leveraging Dutch expertise in water management.
The Netherlands has emerged as India's largest investor from Europe and second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $27.8 billion in 2024-25 and cumulative Dutch foreign direct investment standing at $55.6 billion.
Speaking at a CEOs roundtable, PM Modi emphasised that more than 300 Dutch companies are now part of India's growth story, operating across sectors including ports, shipping, agriculture, and sustainability.
Dutch Prime Minister Jetten described the strategic partnership as a "great milestone" that would enable both countries to work together more closely across multiple sectors.
He highlighted shared democratic values and good governance as foundations for the relationship.
The upgrade comes against the backdrop of the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement signed in 2026, which both leaders agreed would unlock fresh opportunities for trade and investment between the two nations.
PM Modi, who arrived in Amsterdam on 15 May as part of a five-nation tour, also announced liberalised Overseas Citizenship of India eligibility for the Surinami-Hindustani diaspora community.
The Netherlands is home to more than 90,000 non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin, alongside over 200,000 members of the Suriname-Hindustani community.
During a diaspora event, the Prime Minister praised the Indian community for serving as a "living bridge" between the two nations.