ISLAMABAD: Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten voiced serious concerns over press freedom and the rights of minorities in India, particularly the Muslim community, ahead of his meeting with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in The Hague.
The remarks, reported by Dutch newspaper *De Volkskrant*, came as Modi concluded a two-day visit to the Netherlands, part of a broader five-nation Europe tour that included the UAE, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
Jetten stated that the Dutch government and the European Union hold concerns about developments in India, extending beyond press freedom to the treatment of minorities under severe pressure. He specifically highlighted the Muslim community and smaller groups, questioning the extent to which India remains an inclusive society.
Indian officials sharply rejected the comments, describing them as reflecting a “lack of understanding” of India’s vibrant democracy, constitutional guarantees, and record of peaceful elections with high voter participation.
**Official Positions**
The Dutch Prime Minister linked human rights and democracy issues to ongoing discussions on a potential EU-India free trade agreement. EU officials have indicated that progress on the trade pact would require addressing governance and rights concerns alongside economic cooperation.
No detailed discussion on these issues occurred during the formal bilateral delegation-level talks, according to Indian sources. The visit instead focused on elevating ties to a “strategic partnership,” with agreements signed on trade, semiconductors, clean energy, water management, and technology.
The case of Insiya Hemani, a Dutch girl abducted from Amsterdam in 2016 at age two and taken to India, also featured prominently in Dutch media coverage. Jetten raised the matter with Modi, following earlier diplomatic efforts. Dutch courts have convicted the father in absentia and sentenced him to over eight years. India is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on child abduction.
**Context and Reactions**
Modi’s Europe tour coincided with renewed international scrutiny of India’s domestic record. In Norway, Modi faced questions from local journalists over press interactions and broader rights issues. A Norwegian reporter publicly asked why the Indian leader would not take questions from what she called the “freest press in the world,” noting India’s ranking of 157th out of 180 on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, compared to Norway’s top position.
Indian External Affairs Ministry officials defended the country’s democratic credentials, citing its constitution and civilizational values during briefings.
Dutch and European concerns align with reports from various international monitors highlighting pressures on minorities, journalists, and civil society under the BJP-led government. The Wire and other Indian outlets covered the Dutch remarks extensively.
**Economic and Diplomatic Dimensions**
Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands exceeds several billion dollars annually, with strong cooperation in high-tech sectors, logistics, and agriculture. The Netherlands serves as an important gateway for Indian companies into Europe. During the visit, both sides advanced discussions on a semiconductor facility in Gujarat and green hydrogen projects.
However, European partners have repeatedly signaled that deeper economic integration, including the long-pending EU-India FTA, cannot be separated entirely from governance benchmarks.
**Strategic Implications**
The episode underscores growing friction between India’s push for strategic autonomy and economic partnerships with the West and European emphasis on values-based diplomacy. For New Delhi, such public remarks risk complicating narrative control during high-profile visits.
Analysts note that while immediate bilateral deals proceeded, the public airing of differences highlights challenges for India as it seeks to position itself as a reliable global partner amid competition with China. Future EU-India engagements are likely to see continued quiet pressure on rights issues alongside commercial negotiations.
The Insiya case remains unresolved, with Dutch authorities continuing diplomatic and legal efforts for the child’s return after nearly a decade.
Developments in EU-India trade talks and handling of high-profile consular cases will shape the trajectory of relations in coming months.