PM Modi Congratulates Rob Jetten On Taking Office As Netherlands PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and voiced hope for further strengthening bilateral relations.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations, Mr Rob Jetten, on assuming office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. India and the Netherlands share an extensive relationship across diverse sectors. I look forward to working closely with you to add further momentum to the growing ties between our two countries and people.”

India and the Netherlands share more than 75 years of diplomatic ties, underpinned by robust economic engagement, sustainable development initiatives and technological collaboration. The Netherlands ranks among India’s top European investors and trade partners, with cooperation spanning water management, agriculture, health and defence.

The two countries maintain a Strategic Partnership on Water, focused on flood management, clean water technologies and knowledge sharing across related domains.

Earlier this month, PM Modi met former Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he underscored the importance of joint efforts in harnessing Artificial Intelligence for social transformation.

Minority Coalition Sworn In

A Dutch minority government was sworn in on Monday at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, more than 110 days after the October 29 general election. Following the discharge of the previous cabinet, 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries took oath.

The coalition comprises Democrats 66 (D66), People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). The three parties hold 66 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, falling short of a majority.

Before the swearing-in, Jetten met Willem-Alexander, marking the transition to the new administration.

In their coalition agreement, the parties said, “The Netherlands does not have a tradition of minority cabinets. In that respect, we are in uncharted territory,” adding, “The success of this cabinet hinges on its willingness to collaborate with the House of Representatives and the Senate, fellow government bodies, and civil society organisations.”

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