PM Modi, Dutch Counterpart Discuss Semiconductors, Green Energy; MoUs Signed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and announced a new strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands. The meeting also saw an MoU between Tata and ASML on semiconductors, stronger business ties, and a decision by Netherlands to return 11th-century Chola copper plates to India.

PM Modi said the relationship between India and the Netherlands has expanded rapidly over the last decade and is entering a new phase. PM Modi stated, "Today, we are taking that relationship between India and the Netherlands a step further with the announcement of our strategic partnership, a great milestone building on the trade agreement between the European Union and India. It will enable our countries to work together even more closely across a wide range of areas. Together we can drive ambitious innovation to strengthen both our countries," he said.

India Netherlands partnership on economy, investment and reforms

PM Modi underlined that Netherlands stays in the group of the top five investors in India. Modi spoke of strong people-to-people ties linking the two countries, and said shared values support the partnership. PM Modi added that the bilateral relationship has grown “exponentially” in ten years, with cooperation now spreading across many sectors.

Before the formal talks with Jetten, PM Modi joined a roundtable with Dutch CEOs to push the India Netherlands partnership in business. PM Modi encouraged them to explore opportunities in sectors like maritime, renewable energy, digital technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Modi said India is improving ease of doing business through tax, labour code, and governance reforms.

India Netherlands partnership with Dutch CEOs and policy stability

During the interaction, Modi reminded the executives that India remains the world's fastest growing major economy and offers both scale and stability. Modi said, "And on the subject of stability, I have completed 12 years of serving as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy. In these 12 years, with continuous reforms, we have transformed our economic DNA. Our direction has been clear to give policy predictability to the private sector and increase opportunities for them," he added.

The meeting also highlighted cultural aspects of the India Netherlands partnership, with Netherlands announcing the return of 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates. The ceremony, attended by PM Modi and Jetten, confirmed that the collection includes 21 large and three small plates, mostly inscribed in Tamil, linked to Emperor Rajendra Chola I and Rajaraja Chola I.

India Netherlands partnership in semiconductors and heritage cooperation

PM Modi explained that "These plates formalize the promise orally given by Emperor Rajendra Chola I to his father, Rajaraja Chola I. Moreover, they proclaim the glory of the Cholas. As Indians, we take immense pride in the Cholas' culture and naval prowess," he said on X. PM Modi framed the handover as a moment of cultural pride for India.

On the technology front, the India Netherlands partnership gained a boost as India's Tata and Netherlands' ASML signed an MoU to support India's semiconductor manufacturing plans. The agreement, signed in the presence of Modi and Jetten, focuses on Tata Electronics' upcoming semiconductor plant in Dholera, Gujarat, and on broader ecosystem support.

According to a post by PM Modi on X, ASML will assist in setting up and scaling the Dholera semiconductor facility. PM Modi wrote that "India's strides in the world of semiconductors offers immense opportunities for the youth of our nation. This is a sector in which we will keep adding vigour in the times to come," he said, signalling continued policy focus.