Modi, Jetten Discuss Trade, Critical Tech Cooperation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held talks with Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten, focusing on trade, investment and cooperation in critical technologies.

Modi, who arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his five-nation tour, held discussions with CEOs of leading Dutch firms across sectors including energy, ports, healthcare, agriculture and technology ahead of the bilateral meeting.

Inviting companies to invest, he said India offers opportunities in maritime, renewable energy, digital technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and healthcare.

“We are continuously reducing compliance and increasing the ease of doing business. We have recently carried out next-generation reforms in taxation, labour code, and governance,” he said.

“We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time for this than today,” he added.

He said India remains a fast-growing economy with strong infrastructure and policy stability. “Today's India is a symbol of scale and stability. In terms of scale, we are also the fastest-growing major economy in the world and the world's largest talent pool. Infrastructure, clean energy or connectivity no one in the world can match India's speed,” he 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 two leaders called for early implementation of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

An agreement between ASML and Tata Electronics for a semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, was also signed in their presence.

Earlier, Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace and discussed cooperation in digital technology, innovation, fintech and the blue economy.

The ministry of external affairs said the visit is aimed at strengthening ties in areas including defence, security, green hydrogen, semiconductors and water management.

The Netherlands is among India’s key trade partners in Europe, with bilateral trade estimated at $27.8 billion in 2024-25 and cumulative foreign direct investment of $55.6 billion.

Modi is scheduled to visit Sweden from May 17 to 18 as part of his tour.