Piyush Goyal holds trade and investment talks with Dutch leaders in the Netherlands
New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level engagements with Dutch government leaders, parliamentarians and company representatives in the Netherlands on 26 October 2026. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Dutch enterprises. Goyal continued his visit to the country with these engagements.
Goyal met Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, and Ms. Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate. He also met Mr. Arthur van Dijk, King’s Commissioner of the Province of North Holland. In addition, the Minister interacted with members of the Dutch House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Senate Committee on European Affairs. The interactions allowed an exchange of perspectives on bilateral economic relations, trade and investment, and the broader India-European Union economic partnership.
Goyal and Sjoerdsma jointly chaired the India–Netherlands Business Forum. Approximately 200 people, including leading representatives of Indian and Dutch businesses, took part. The Forum focused on the opportunities emerging from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, particularly in expanding bilateral trade, strengthening investment partnerships, enhancing market access and fostering collaboration across key sectors.
Goyal meets Dutch CEOs and holds business roundtable
Discussions at the Forum highlighted the complementary strengths of the Indian and Dutch economies. They also stressed the importance of closer industry-to-industry engagement. The aim, according to the release, is to translate the FTA’s opportunities into concrete business partnerships, investments and stronger integration of supply chains between India and Europe.
As part of his industry-focused programme, Goyal held one-to-one meetings with CEOs from several prominent Dutch companies. The meetings gave him an opportunity to engage with industry leaders on business priorities and potential areas of cooperation. The companies represented sectors including semiconductor technology, electronics, logistics, energy and industrial solutions, technology, and retail.
Goyal also took part in a roundtable with CXOs of 15 Dutch companies. The Embassy in the Hague organised it in collaboration with HSBC Netherlands. The roundtable facilitated direct engagement with business leaders on opportunities for investment, commercial partnerships and deeper economic cooperation. It also provided a forum to exchange perspectives on the business environment and identify avenues for stronger private-sector collaboration.
The Minister also interacted with media representatives during the visit. He highlighted the growing momentum in India-Netherlands economic relations, particularly after the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. He underscored the opportunities for expanding trade, investment and technology partnerships, and emphasised the Netherlands’ important role as a gateway to European markets. The interaction also allowed him to highlight India’s economic growth, investment opportunities and commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Netherlands and the wider European Union.
