PrintFriendly
PM’s Visit to Netherlands
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands on May 16–17, 2026 marked a historic advancement in India–Netherlands relations, with both nations elevating their ties to a “Strategic Partnership.” The visit was part of the Prime Minister’s five-nation diplomatic tour and focused on expanding cooperation in technology, trade, semiconductors, water management, clean energy, and global governance.
During the visit, Shri Modi held official talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in The Hague. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and emphasized stronger cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors. They acknowledged the long-standing trade relationship, growing economic engagement, and strong people-to-people contacts between the two nations.
One of the key outcomes of the visit was the launch of the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership Roadmap for 2026–2030. The roadmap outlined collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, maritime security, renewable energy, green hydrogen, digital technologies, agriculture, and healthcare. Both sides also emphasized the need for resilient and trusted global supply chains amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.
The semiconductor sector emerged as a major highlight of the visit. Shri Modi witnessed the signing of an agreement between Dutch semiconductor giant ASML and Tata Electronics to support semiconductor manufacturing in India. The agreement was viewed as strategically important for India’s ambition to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.
Sustainability and water management also featured prominently during the visit. The Netherlands, known globally for expertise in flood control and water conservation, agreed to deepen cooperation with India in climate resilience and water infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Afsluitdijk Dam symbolized the growing partnership in sustainable infrastructure and environmental management.
Chola-era Copper Plates finally returned home
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi formally received the historic 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates, known as the “Leiden Plates,” during his official visit on 16 May to the Netherlands. The sacred copper inscriptions were handed over by Leiden University, marking a major diplomatic and cultural milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its lost heritage from abroad. In a post on X PM said “A joyous moment for every Indian! Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Rob Jetten.”
“The Chola Copper Plates are a set of 21 large plates and 3 small plates and largely contain texts in Tamil, one of the most beautiful languages of the world. They relate to the great Rajendra Chola I formalising an oral commitment made by his father, King Rajaraja I. They also showcase the greatness of the Cholas. We in India are immensely proud of the Cholas, their culture and their maritime prowess,” the PM added. He also thanked the Government of the Netherlands and Leiden University in particular, where the Copper Plates were kept since the mid-19th century.