India delivered a sharp diplomatic response after concerns about minority rights were reportedly raised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands. Speaking in The Hague, Foreign Secretary West Sibi George firmly defended India's democratic traditions and civilisational values.

He emphasised India's long-standing history as a refuge for persecuted communities, noting that Jewish, Christian and Muslim populations have flourished in the country for centuries. His remarks followed reported comments by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during closed-door discussions that referenced Western assessments of rights conditions in South Asia.

Despite the disagreement, both countries upgraded their relationship to a full Strategic Partnership, with a focus on semiconductors, clean energy, trade and resilient supply chains. The episode highlighted the broader dynamic in India-Europe ties, where expanding economic cooperation often coexists with recurring differences over political narratives and internal matters.