The Hague, April 24–26, 2025 — Mr. Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, paid an official visit to the Netherlands from 24 to 26 April 2025. The visit underscored India’s commitment to advancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation with the Netherlands, one of its key partners in Europe.
During his three-day programme, Mr. Barthwal engaged in high-level policy dialogues, industry-focused interactions, and visits to centres of economic importance.
Strategic Policy Discussions in The Hague
The visit commenced with a meeting between Mr. Barthwal and Mr. Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties, with particular emphasis on establishing the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) mechanism. Discussions addressed policy alignment, trade facilitation, and the removal of market access barriers, reaffirming the shared goal of creating a conducive environment for business by leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies.
In parallel, Mr. Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. The meeting focused on boosting cooperation in technology, entrepreneurship, and space, particularly through the Indo-Dutch Startup Link. Both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in fostering innovation-driven partnerships and enhancing startup ecosystems.
CEOs Roundtable: Connecting Businesses
A highlight of the visit was the CEOs Roundtable Conference, hosted by the Embassy of India and attended by around 40 representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, trade chambers, and industry bodies. Discussions centred on business opportunities, challenges, and actionable solutions across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, waste management, and urban development.
Commerce Secretary Barthwal outlined India’s ambitious economic reforms, manufacturing drive, export promotion measures, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives. The Embassy also showcased One District One Product (ODOP) handicrafts, celebrating India’s artisanal heritage. A networking session facilitated valuable new business connections.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
Mr. Barthwal also visited the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and most advanced port. He met Mr. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, to discuss enhanced cooperation with Indian ports in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030. The talks explored knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices.
A tour of facilities, including the fully automated APM Terminals at Maasvlakte II, highlighted Rotterdam’s cutting-edge infrastructure. The visit also laid the groundwork for a proposed Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports such as Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and for exports of green hydrogen and carriers like ammonia and methanol from India to Europe.
Semiconductor Collaboration
In Veldhoven, Mr. Barthwal met Mr. Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, a world leader in photolithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing. The discussion focused on aligning ASML’s expertise with India’s Semiconductor Mission and policy framework, which offers investment incentives and infrastructure support to make India a global semiconductor hub.
Outcomes and Future Path
The visit delivered tangible results, reinforcing the strategic importance of the India–Netherlands partnership in tackling global economic challenges and fostering innovation-led growth. Institutional mechanisms such as the JTIC are expected to enhance structured engagement, while new collaborations in maritime infrastructure, green energy, and semiconductors align with both countries’ economic priorities.
Commerce Secretary Barthwal’s engagements have injected fresh momentum into bilateral relations, setting the stage for deeper, more diversified cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
