New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of meetings with Dutch government leaders, parliamentarians and business executives on 26 October, 2026, as India and the Netherlands explored opportunities to expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
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 North Holland.
He also interacted with members of the Dutch House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Senate Committee on European Affairs. Discussions covered bilateral economic ties, trade and investment, and the broader India-European Union partnership.
India-Netherlands Business Forum Brings Together 200 Participants
A key engagement during the visit was the India-Netherlands Business Forum, co-chaired by Goyal and Sjoerdsma. The forum brought together around 200 participants, including representatives of Indian and Dutch businesses.
Discussions focused on opportunities arising from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, including improved market access, greater investment flows and stronger business partnerships. Participants also discussed ways to connect Indian and Dutch industries and strengthen supply chains linking India with European markets.
Meetings with Dutch Companies Across Sectors
Goyal held separate meetings with chief executives of Dutch companies representing sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, logistics, energy, industrial solutions, technology and retail.
The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss business priorities and identify potential areas for cooperation between companies in the two countries.
The minister also took part in a roundtable with chief executives of 15 Dutch companies. Organised by the Indian Embassy in The Hague in collaboration with HSBC Netherlands, the meeting focused on investment opportunities, commercial partnerships and ways to deepen private-sector engagement.
India-EU FTA and Netherlands’ Role in European Markets
During his interaction with the media, Goyal highlighted the momentum in India-Netherlands economic relations following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
He pointed to opportunities to expand trade, investment and technology cooperation, while describing the Netherlands as an important gateway for Indian businesses seeking access to European markets.
The discussions formed part of India’s broader effort to strengthen commercial ties with the Netherlands and build closer links between Indian businesses and European industry.
