Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal continued his Netherlands visit on 26 October 2026, holding a series of high-level meetings with Dutch government leaders, parliamentarians and senior representatives of Dutch companies. The discussions centred on strengthening bilateral economic ties, increasing trade and investment and exploring new areas of cooperation between Indian and Dutch businesses.
Goyal met Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation; Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate; and Arthur van Dijk, King's Commissioner of the Province of North Holland.
The Minister also engaged with members of the Dutch House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Senate Committee on European Affairs. These meetings provided a platform to discuss bilateral economic relations, trade and investment prospects, and the wider economic partnership between India and the European Union.
A key event during the visit was the India-Netherlands Business Forum, co-chaired by Goyal and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, the Netherlands' Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. The forum brought together approximately 200 participants, including prominent representatives from Indian and Dutch businesses.
Discussions focused on opportunities arising from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, particularly in expanding bilateral commerce, attracting investment, improving market access and encouraging cooperation across major industries. Participants highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies and the need for closer business-to-business engagement to turn the FTA's potential into commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and stronger supply chain links between India and Europe.
As part of his industry engagement programme, Goyal held individual meetings with chief executives from several leading Dutch companies. These discussions covered business priorities and possible areas for collaboration across semiconductor technology, electronics, logistics, energy, industrial solutions, technology and retail.
Goyal also took part in a roundtable discussion with senior executives from 15 Dutch companies. The meeting was organised by the Embassy in The Hague in collaboration with HSBC Netherlands.
The roundtable offered business leaders an opportunity to discuss investment prospects, commercial partnerships and ways to deepen economic cooperation between India and the Netherlands. Participants also exchanged views on the business environment and explored opportunities for stronger private-sector engagement.
During the visit, Goyal also interacted with media representatives. He highlighted the growing momentum in India-Netherlands economic relations, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. He pointed to opportunities for expanding trade, investment and technology cooperation, while emphasising the Netherlands' role as an important gateway to European markets. The interaction also provided an opportunity to outline India's economic growth, investment potential and commitment to strengthening ties with the Netherlands and the wider European Union.
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