Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited The Hague to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with the Netherlands and engage with the Indian diaspora.
The visit signals India's strategic intent to secure high-tech partnerships in critical sectors. By focusing on semiconductor chips and artificial intelligence, India aims to bolster its domestic technological infrastructure through European collaboration.
During the visit, Modi met with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof [1]. The discussions focused on deeper cooperation in AI, semiconductor chips, and clean-energy projects, specifically green hydrogen [2]. These initiatives are designed to promote joint technological growth, and environmental sustainability between the two nations [2].
Modi also addressed the Indian community residing in the Netherlands. He praised the contributions of the diaspora to their host country and the strengthening of bilateral relations. "Felt like being in India," Modi said [1].
This stop was part of a broader diplomatic effort. The prime minister's tour covered five nations [1] between May 15 and May 20, 2024 [1]. The itinerary focused on acknowledging the role of Indians abroad while promoting joint initiatives in technology and energy sectors [2].
The Hague served as the primary venue for these diplomatic exchanges. The meetings underscored a mutual interest in diversifying supply chains for chips, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources to meet global climate goals [2].
“"Felt like being in India,"”
This diplomatic push reflects India's ambition to move up the global value chain in semiconductors and green energy. By partnering with the Netherlands—a global hub for lithography and chip technology—India seeks to reduce its reliance on a few specific markets and accelerate its transition to a high-tech, sustainable economy.
