Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands this weekend marks an important moment in the relationship between the two countries. During the visit, an official strategic partnership is expected to be announced, following months of preparation.
It is a logical step – and one of considerable strategic value for both countries. India is emerging as one of the most important economic and geopolitical players of the 21st century. The Netherlands, meanwhile, plays a central role within Europe in logistics, technology, and international trade.
Yet the symbolic and political visibility of this relationship remains surprisingly limited. Modi’s visit was only officially confirmed at a late stage. It is happening during a week when much international attention is on the Beijing summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, or the BRICS summit (incidentally in New Delhi). Moreover, the Netherlands is merely one stop on a broader tour which includes the UAE and various other European capitals. This reflects a wider reality: although cooperation between India and the Netherlands has grown significantly in recent years, the strategic importance of the relationship largely remains under the public radar.
