India-Netherlands relations: Modi meets King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in The Hague

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace. The talks covered cooperation in digital technology, innovation, fintech and the blue economy. The two sides also spoke about sustainability and climate action. Officials said both countries aimed to deepen India–Netherlands relations across several areas.

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After the meeting, Modi wrote on X: "Met His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace. It was wonderful exchanging perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors like technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water resources,\" The post reflected a focus on practical partnerships and shared priorities.

India-Netherlands relations and focus areas

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the discussion reviewed the expanding India-Netherlands partnership. Jaiswal wrote on X that both sides noted close cooperation in sustainability and climate action. The statement also listed digital technology, innovation, fintech and the blue economy. Officials said both parties reiterated commitment to strengthen India–Netherlands relations.

Modi also said India and the Netherlands were linked by shared interests. Modi added that both countries believed in building a future-ready planet. The visit came during Modi’s five-nation tour. Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday after a brief stopover in the UAE.

India-Netherlands ties, trade and investment

The Netherlands remained among India’s biggest trade partners in Europe. Officials put bilateral trade at USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25. The country also ranked as India’s fourth-largest investor. Cumulative foreign direct investment from the Netherlands stood at USD 55.6 billion, officials said.

In recent years, cooperation widened beyond trade and investment. Officials said work also grew past water, agriculture and health. The MEA said new areas included technology and innovation. It also covered defence, security, semiconductors and renewable energy. Education and the maritime domain were also mentioned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to the Netherlands and schedule

Modi’s visit to the European nation from May 15 to 17 marked the second trip. Modi last visited the Netherlands in 2017. Officials described the timing as important for India-Netherlands ties. Earlier on Saturday, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in The Hague and spoke about India’s opportunities.

People-to-people links continued to support the bilateral relationship, officials said. Modi was also scheduled to meet Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten later on Saturday. The engagements formed part of the Netherlands leg of Modi’s wider Europe tour, which also included Sweden, Norway and Italy.

With inputs from PTI