Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a deeper partnership between India and the Netherlands during a visit to The Hague on Friday [1].
The initiative aims to strengthen India-EU trade ties and build a resilient supply chain amid a series of global instabilities. By positioning the Netherlands as a strategic entry point, India seeks to expand its economic footprint across the European continent while addressing systemic vulnerabilities in technology and energy.
Modi described the current era as a "decade of disasters," and said the world must act together to tackle the global poverty crisis [2]. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing wars, and the energy crisis as primary drivers of this instability [3].
To combat these challenges, the Prime Minister pledged cooperation on specific high-tech and environmental sectors. "We will work together on semiconductors, clean energy, and water management to build a future‑ready supply chain," Modi said [4].
The strategic focus on the Netherlands is intended to facilitate easier market access for Indian firms. "The Netherlands is a natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe," Modi said [5].
This diplomatic push aligns with broader trade goals for the region. Previous targets for trade value between India and the EU, which includes the Netherlands, were set at USD 19 billion by 2024 [6].
The visit is part of a larger five-nation tour that includes the UAE, Sweden, Norway, and Italy [7]. Modi said that strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership is essential for navigating the current geopolitical climate and ensuring economic stability for both regions.
“"The Netherlands is a natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe."”
India's focus on the Netherlands reflects a strategic shift toward diversifying supply chains and reducing dependence on single-source markets. By leveraging the Dutch logistics infrastructure and expertise in water management and semiconductors, India is attempting to secure its technological future while simultaneously strengthening its diplomatic leverage within the European Union.
