Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the European segment of his official tour on Saturday in The Hague, where he met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Huis ten Bosch Palace. The visit marks the start of a six-day itinerary that will take him across the Middle East and Europe, following earlier stops in the United Arab Emirates.
Modi also held discussions with Dutch business executives and met with his Dutch counterpart, Rob Jetten, to address cooperation in defence, security, innovation, and energy. The Netherlands is one of India's key trading partners in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching USD 27.8 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in The Hague earlier in the day, Modi highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two countries and pointed to technology and innovation as emerging priorities. The Netherlands has become a hub for Indian tech firms and startups seeking a foothold in the European market.
Sweden and the European Round Table
The next leg of Modi's tour takes him to Sweden, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday. The two leaders are expected to review the full scope of bilateral relations, according to an Indian government press release. Modi and Kristersson will also address the European Round Table for Industry in Stockholm, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen and Modi met earlier in January at the 16th EU-India summit, where the bloc finalised negotiations on a free trade agreement. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and bureaucratic hurdles, which the EU hopes will boost trade and benefit consumers across member states. The meeting in Sweden underscores the EU's strategic interest in deepening ties with New Delhi, particularly in technology and green energy.
Sweden has also been in the news recently for its efforts to combat gang recruitment among minors, including a proposal to use electronic bracelets to monitor at-risk children. While not directly linked to Modi's visit, the broader Nordic focus on security and innovation aligns with the themes of the summit.
Nordic Summit in Oslo
From Sweden, Modi will travel to Oslo for the third India-Nordic summit, where he is set to meet the leaders of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Discussions will centre on cooperation in technology, renewable energy, defence, space, and the Arctic region, India's External Affairs Ministry said. The Arctic has become a growing area of interest for India, which holds observer status in the Arctic Council and is keen to collaborate on climate research and sustainable development.
Norway, a major energy exporter, has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio, and the summit could yield new partnerships in wind and solar power. The Nordic countries collectively represent a significant market for Indian goods and services, and the region's expertise in green technology makes it a natural partner for India's ambitious climate goals.
Final Stop in Italy
Modi's tour will conclude in Italy on 20 May, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In 2024, the two leaders committed to a Joint Strategic Action Plan, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in security, defence, and the promotion of safe and legal migration channels. Italy has been a key partner for India in the Mediterranean, and the visit is expected to reinforce ties in maritime security and counterterrorism.
The tour comes at a time when the European Union is recalibrating its relationships with major Asian powers, balancing trade ambitions with geopolitical concerns. Modi's engagements with EU leaders, including von der Leyen, signal a mutual interest in deepening economic integration and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and digital transformation.
For the Netherlands, the visit also highlights the country's role as a gateway for Indian investment into Europe. The Dutch port of Rotterdam handles a significant share of Indian exports to the continent, and the two countries have been exploring joint ventures in logistics and smart cities.
