Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal commenced his visit to the Netherlands on 25 October 2026 with a series of engagements focused on strengthening India-Netherlands economic ties and exploring new avenues for trade and investment. The visit featured engagements with stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sector in Rotterdam, interaction with the Indian community in Amsterdam, and media engagement.
As part of his programme in Rotterdam, Shri Goyal undertook a tour of the Port of Rotterdam, accompanied by its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Boudewijn Siemons. The visit highlighted the strategic importance of Rotterdam, Europe's largest port, as a gateway for Indian goods to the European market and a key hub for international trade and global supply chains. The Minister's visit underscored the Netherlands' strategic importance as a gateway to Europe, particularly in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to create significant new opportunities for Indian exporters.
The Netherlands' world-class ports, logistics infrastructure and connectivity with European markets are positioned to play an important role in facilitating increased trade flows and strengthening India-Europe supply chains following the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.
Shri Goyal also attended an Indian community interaction hosted by the Embassy of India over high tea at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, with approximately 70 participants. The gathering brought together members of the Indian community, including business and professional representatives, and provided an opportunity to engage with the diaspora. This engagement reaffirmed the importance of the Indian community in fostering closer connections between India and the Netherlands and in contributing to bilateral economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.
The visit underscores the importance of sustained engagement with Dutch stakeholders to advance trade, investment and commercial cooperation, particularly highlighting opportunities for stronger collaboration in maritime logistics and other areas of mutual interest within the framework of the India-EU FTA and closer economic integration between India and Europe.