New Delhi buzzed with diplomatic warmth as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt congratulations to Rob Jetten, the freshly appointed Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The 38-year-old leader took oath before King Willem-Alexander, marking the third Dutch cabinet swearing-in within four years.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, ‘Congratulations to Rob Jetten on assuming the office of Prime Minister of the Netherlands. India and the Netherlands share excellent relations across diverse sectors. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our growing bilateral ties for the benefit of our two countries and peoples.’
Jetten heads a minority coalition government formed by three parties: his liberal-progressive, pro-Europe D66, the conservative Christian Democrats, and the right-wing VVD. With only 66 seats in the 150-member lower house, this cabinet faces an uphill battle to pass legislation, relying heavily on opposition support for nearly every bill.
The swearing-in ceremony unfolded at the opulent Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. Tradition held strong as male ministers arrived in morning coats, later changing into formal attire post-oath. Immediately after, the new cabinet posed for photographs on the palace stairs alongside the king.
This unique minority setup emerged after intense negotiations following October’s tight elections. D66 narrowly edged out Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV), both securing 26 seats initially. Seven PVV lawmakers later defected, reshaping the political landscape.
The coalition deal, finalized in January after three months of post-election talks, defied conventional majority norms. Jetten’s leadership signals a centrist pivot, challenging far-right influences while prioritizing stability. As India-Netherlands ties flourish in trade, tech, and sustainability, Modi’s outreach underscores mutual commitment to deeper collaboration in a dynamic global order.