Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday invited Dutch companies to design, innovate, and manufacture in India, highlighting the country’s growing economic strength and vast business opportunities. Addressing the India-Netherlands CEO Roundtable alongside Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, PM Modi said India is emerging as a global hub for manufacturing, technology, and clean energy.
The meeting marked a major step forward in strengthening India-Netherlands economic ties, with a strong focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, infrastructure, and innovation.
Tata Electronics and ASML Sign Semiconductor Agreement
A major highlight of the event was the signing of an agreement between Tata Electronics and ASML for India’s first front-end semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.
The agreement aims to support India’s semiconductor ambitions and strengthen the country’s role in the global chip manufacturing supply chain. PM Modi and PM Jetten welcomed the partnership, calling it a milestone for technological cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
PM Modi Says India Offers Stability and Rapid Growth
Speaking at the CEO Roundtable, PM Modi said India today represents “scale and stability” and no other country can match its pace in infrastructure development, clean energy expansion, and digital connectivity.
He noted that India is contributing nearly 17 percent to global economic growth and has transformed its economic framework through continuous reforms.
“We are continuously reducing compliance burdens and improving Ease of Doing Business. India has introduced next-generation reforms in taxation, labour laws, and governance,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister added that sectors like space, mining, and nuclear energy have now been opened to private participation, creating new investment opportunities for global businesses.
PM Modi Invites Dutch Companies to Invest in India
Reiterating his message to European investors, PM Modi invited Dutch firms to expand their operations in India and take advantage of the country’s rapidly growing market.
“We invite all of you to design and innovate in India. There can be no better time than today,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that manufacturing in India has become highly cost-effective, while the services sector is driving innovation and efficiency through skilled talent.
According to PM Modi, nearly all major global technology companies have established Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, making the country a major technology and innovation destination.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement to Open New Opportunities
PM Modi described 2026 as the beginning of a “new Golden Era” in India-Europe relations. He said the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would strengthen trade, investment, and supply chain cooperation between the two regions.
The leaders emphasized early implementation of the India-EU FTA, which aims to create open markets, promote inclusive growth, and build resilient supply chains.
“This agreement between two of the world’s largest democratic powers will serve as a strong foundation for shared prosperity,” PM Modi stated.
India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership Gets Stronger
The two countries also announced plans to upgrade their trusted partnership into a broader strategic partnership. PM Modi said India and the Netherlands will work closely in several future-focused sectors, including:
- Green Hydrogen
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Technology and innovation
- Infrastructure and maritime cooperation
- Sustainability and agriculture
- Research and development
- Talent mobility and university partnerships
He added that the future of India-Netherlands relations is “brighter than ever before.”
Netherlands Remains Key Investor in India
PM Modi highlighted that more than 300 Dutch companies are already operating in India. The Netherlands is currently India’s largest investor from Europe and its second-largest trading partner in the region.
Several top global business leaders attended the CEO Roundtable, including executives from companies such as Heineken, Philips, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, NXP Semiconductors, and Prosus.
PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour Continues
PM Modi arrived in the Netherlands after concluding his visit to the UAE as part of his five-nation diplomatic tour. His upcoming visits include Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The visit aims to deepen India’s cooperation with European nations in trade, defence, renewable energy, technology, and strategic investments.
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