From Meeting Dutch Royals To ASML-Tata Chip Deal: Key Takeaways From PM Modi’s Netherlands Visit

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 11:19 PM IST

Narendra Modi ends Netherlands visit, boosting India-Netherlands trade, semiconductor and clean energy ties, securing ASML-Tata cooperation and return of Chola Copper Plates.

Dutch PM Rob Jetten (R) returns 11th-Century Chola Copper Plates to PM Modi. (Image: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrapped up a packed day of diplomatic and business engagements in the Netherlands, the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour, with discussions ranging from semiconductor cooperation and trade to cultural heritage and strategic ties.

Modi’s visit underscored India’s growing partnership with the Netherlands, one of India’s largest European investors and an important player in technology, logistics and clean energy.

Modi Meets Dutch PM, Focus On Trade And Strategic Ties

PM Modi held bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, with discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in trade, semiconductors, clean energy, innovation and global supply chains.

The two leaders reviewed progress in India-Netherlands relations and explored new areas of collaboration amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics.

The Netherlands remains India’s second-largest trading partner in Europe and among the biggest European investors in the country.

Meeting With Dutch Royals

Modi also met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during the visit.

The engagement highlighted growing diplomatic ties between the two countries and came as India seeks deeper cooperation with European nations across technology, business and strategic sectors.

Semiconductor Push: ASML-Tata Partnership In Focus

One of the major themes of the visit was semiconductor cooperation.

The PM highlighted the growing partnership between Tata Group and Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML, seen as important for India’s ambitions to become a global chip manufacturing hub.

ASML is the world’s leading producer of advanced lithography machines essential for semiconductor manufacturing.

The collaboration is expected to support India’s expanding electronics and chip ecosystem.

Modi Addresses CEO Roundtable

The Prime Minister interacted with leading Dutch business executives and industry representatives during a CEO roundtable.

Speaking to business leaders, Modi pitched India as a major destination for investment and manufacturing, emphasising:

• India’s growing economy
• Ease of doing business reforms
• Expanding technology ecosystem
• Opportunities in clean energy and semiconductors

The interaction aimed to encourage greater Dutch investment into India.

Chola Copper Plates To Return To India

A major cultural highlight of the visit was the formal announcement that rare 11th-century Chola Copper Plates will be repatriated from the Netherlands to India.

Modi attended the ceremonial handover event and called the return a “joyous moment for every Indian”.

The copper plates, preserved at Leiden University since the 19th century, contain Tamil inscriptions linked to the Chola Empire and are considered historically significant records.

The move forms part of India’s broader effort to bring back cultural artefacts housed overseas.

Diaspora Outreach Continues

During the visit, Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, a recurring feature of his foreign tours.

The Prime Minister praised the Indian community’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding India’s global presence.

Sweden Next On Modi’s 5-Nation Tour

After concluding engagements in the Netherlands, Modi is set to travel to Sweden for the next leg of his five-country diplomatic tour.

The broader tour has focused on strengthening India’s ties with Europe and key international partners across trade, defence, technology and global governance.

The Netherlands stop highlighted a mix of diplomacy, technology partnerships, business outreach and cultural cooperation — themes likely to continue as Modi moves to Stockholm.

Read More