Netherlands PM pushes closer AI collaboration with India amid US-China race; visits Bengaluru tech hubs

• Netherlands PM urges closer AI ties between Europe and India
• Dutch and Indian firms to collaborate on AI and semiconductors
• Netherlands supports open trade and skilled migration from India

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Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof on February 20 said Europe and India must work closely to strengthen their position in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, which is now dominated by the United States and China.

Speaking at a select media interaction in Bengaluru, Schoof described India as a ‘big player’ in AI and called for deeper collaboration between European and Indian institutions and businesses.

“At a time when the US and China are highly competitive in AI and competing strongly with each other, other countries must come together and develop their own approach. We can unite and shape our own way,” he said.

Schoof said the Netherlands aims to become a strong and innovative AI player within Europe. “We are highly digitalised and act as a kind of digital harbour - a gateway to Europe. In that respect, we want Dutch and Indian businesses to work very closely together on AI,” he said.

Referring to semiconductor strengths, he added: “We have strong institutes and companies like ASML and NXP. India has enormous talent. Together, we can bring that ecosystem together.”

On semiconductor collaboration, Schoof said discussions are underway to strengthen cooperation in chip manufacturing and technology development.

Skilled migration and healthcare focus

On migration, Schoof said the Netherlands wants stricter control over asylum flows but remains open to skilled migration aligned with economic needs.

“We want better control over asylum. But when it comes to high-skilled labour that is necessary for our economy, we are open. Many Indians already work in the Netherlands, especially in high-tech sectors,” he said. “At the same time, we do not want an uncontrolled overflow of migrants.”

Identifying healthcare as a priority area for AI collaboration, Schoof said ageing populations in Europe are placing pressure on medical systems, and AI could improve efficiency and reduce workforce strain.

At the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he was shown an AI-enabled digital stethoscope capable of analysing heart rhythms via smartphone connectivity, enabling early screenings by frontline health workers. Another startup showcased AI tools that assess spice quality at various growth stages, helping farmers with real-time quality checks and better price discovery. Calling the innovations “promising”, he said it was encouraging to see AI being applied at the grassroots level.

Trade, tariffs and strategic partnership

On global trade, Schoof reiterated the Netherlands’ support for open trade agreements and expressed hope for early progress on the India-EU free trade agreement. “Netherlands has always opposed tariffs. While we were not able to prevent some of them, the current tariffs are not severely hurting our economy. But open trade is always better,” he said.

He added that he had discussed a broader strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, covering semiconductors, water management and agriculture.

“We are finalising a strategic agreement with India. For Europe, it is important to diversify trade partnerships. We remain active in the US, but we also want stronger engagement in other parts of the world,” he said. Schoof said that the Netherlands is among the largest European investors in India, second only to Germany.

AI-driven traffic management

After attending the AI summit in New Delhi, Schoof travelled to Bengaluru, where he visited Philips Innovation Campus in Yelahanka, the Bengaluru Traffic Police’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC) on Infantry Road, and IISc campus.

At TMC, officials demonstrated how AI and data analytics are being used to regulate traffic flow. Using CCTV feeds, open data platforms and predictive modelling, officials can anticipate congestion patterns up to a week in advance and proactively manage traffic signals. Officials told the Prime Minister that AI-backed systems have nearly halved congestion levels compared with previous years. Describing Bengaluru as 'green' and vibrant, Schoof said the visit reinforced the strength of India’s growing innovation ecosystem.