Theme: Trade, Trust & Transition: The Next Phase of India-EU Relations
As EU and India move closer towards a new landmark trade agreement, the Netherlands and India are entering a new phase of strategic partnership. This years’ NIBM will bring together government leaders, policy makers and industry to explore the evolving trade landscape, emerging investment opportunities and how we can create new, and expand existing channels for collaboration on innovation, technology and sustainability.
🗓 Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026
⏰ Time: 14:00 – 19:15 hrs (Program starts at 14:30 hrs, followed by ample networking opportunities)
🏢 Venue: Van der Valk Schiphol A4
🔗 Register here: https://nicct.nl/events/nibm-events/registration/
It is our pleasure to invite you to the Netherlands India Business Meet (NIBM) 2026, taking place on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
Following the strong momentum and excellent discussions of last year’s edition, NIBM returns in a refreshed and more interactive format, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and experts active within the India–Europe corridor.
At a time when the EU–India relationship is entering a new strategic phase, discussions surrounding the proposed Free Trade Agreement, often referred to as “the mother of all deals” , are gaining increasing geopolitical and economic significance. Against this backdrop, this year’s NIBM will focus on the opportunities, challenges and transitions shaping the future of India–EU cooperation.
Participants can expect:
*interactive discussions and panel conversations;
*practical insights into trade, investment and innovation opportunities;
*perspectives from business, policy and industry leaders;
*extensive networking with stakeholders active in the India–Netherlands corridor.
The detailed programme and speaker line-up will follow shortly. We nevertheless encourage you to reserve your place at an early stage.
Admission
NICCT Members: complimentary admission (+ one guest free of charge)
Non-members: €125 excl. VAT
We very much look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at Van der Valk Schiphol.
Please come back after 16th of June.
NIBM 2026
“Trade & Transition: The Next Phase of India – EU Relations”
As EU and India move closer towards a new landmark trade agreement, the Netherlands and India are entering a new phase of strategic partnership. This years’ NIBM will bring together government leaders, policy makers and industry to explore the evolving trade landscape, emerging investment opportunities and how we can create new, and expand existing channels for collaboration on innovation, technology and sustainability.
PROGRAM
14.00-14.30 Registration & Informal networking
Opening Session
14.30 Start Program
14.30-14.35 Welcome
- Welcome by Edith Nordmann – Chairman NICCT
“FROM NEGOTIATION TO TRANSFORMATION: THE INDIA-EU TRADE AGENDA”
A Governmental Perspective
India and the NL are redefining their bilateral relationship through stronger cooperation in trade, technology, digital innovation and strategic policy alignment. This high-level dialogue between government leaders will examine how governments can unlock deeper economic integration and shape the next chapter of EU-India relationship. The session will also explore the significance of the new Partnership Agreement between the 2 countries and its implications for businesses and investors.
Moderation: Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services
14.40-15.35 In Conversation With:
*H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin – Ambassador of India to The Netherlands (tbc)
*H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards – Ambassador of Netherlands to India (online)
*Femke Halsema – Mayor of Amsterdam (tbc)
*S. Krishnan – Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (online) (tbc)
* Sanjay Pradhan (online (tbc)
“BEYOND MARKET ACCESS: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW EU-INDIA ERA”
A Leadership Perspective
As geopolitical shifts and supply chain diversification reshape global commerce, businesses are looking with anticipation to closer EU-India relations. This session will bring together industry leaders to discuss the real commercial opportunities emerging from a closer EU-India cooperation- from manufacturing and logistics to technology, agri-tech, digital services and investment flows. Speakers will share practical insights on navigating regulation, scaling partnerships and building sustainable cross-border growth India and the Netherlands.
Moderation: Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services
15.35-16.20 In conversation with: soon to be unveiled
16.20-16.25 “Spark the Future – Energy & Climate Tech Pitch””- Pitch 1
Innovation will take centre stages as 3 pioneering energy and climate startups take the floor for a series of fast-paced elevator pitches to compete for the prestigious NICCT Innovation Award. The session will highlight the entrepreneurial momentum driving the India – Netherlands collaboration and the critical role innovation will play in shaping more sustainable and future-ready economies for both countries.
16.25-16.40 Break – Informal networking for participants
16.40-16.45 “Spark the Future – Energy & Climate Tech Pitch” – Pitch 2
“POWERING THE FUTURE: ENERGY, DIGITAL INNOVATION & INDO-DUTCH COOPERATION UNDER THE FTA”
Objective: explore how energy transition, digital infrastructure and strategic cooperation can jointly accelerate Indo-Dutch collaboration under the FTA, with a focus on scalable, investable, and secure solutions.
Powering the transition: India – Netherlands collaboration in Green Energy
Green energy has emerged as one of the most promising pillars of collaboration between India and the Netherlands. From hydrogen and offshore wind to circular economy solutions and sustainable infrastructure, both countries are investing heavily in sustainability transition. This session will explore how governments, innovators, and businesses can accelerate joint action to meet climate goals while driving economic growth, technology transfer and industrial competitiveness.
16.45-17.25 In conversation with: soon to be unveiled
17.25-17.35 Spark the Future – Energy & Climate Tech Pitch” – Pitch 3
Audience Voting – Award
17.35-17.40 Wrap up
17.40-19.00 Informal networking with drinks and snacks
We are actively preparing an exceptional program for you. Check frequently to see which subject matter expert speakers have been confirmed.
Our confirmed speakers this year are (in the flow of the program):
Opening session:
Edith Nordmann – Chairman NICCT & Managing Partner ACG International
Edith Nordmann LL.M. is Chairman of the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade (NICCT) and Managing Partner at ACG International, a corporate law firm based in Amsterdam.
She is an expert in employment law and a seasoned corporate and commercial litigator, representing both companies and individuals in complex legal matters. Her practice includes cross-border transactions, contract disputes, and national and international litigation. As a certified mediator and arbitrator, she also assists clients in resolving disputes amicably and efficiently.
Fluent in German (native), English, Dutch, French, and Italian, Edith bridges not only language but also cultural and legal differences—placing her in a unique position to navigate cross-border challenges.
Edith is set on sharing her knowledge and empowering the young generations of professionals by way of mentoring and giving guest-lectures at universities across Europe and India. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded an honorary doctorate (Dr. h.c.). She is currently a member of the B20 Task Force under the G20 Presidency of South Africa in 2025, continuing her active engagement following previous roles in the B20 Task Forces under India and Brazil’s G20 Presidencies.
Alongside her legal and policy work, Edith is committed to social impact and lends her expertise to various charitable and professional organizations, using her voice to empower others and promote meaningful change.
Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Senior Director Corporate Affairs & External Relations – Tata Consultancy Services – Moderator at NIBM 2026
Vidhya Sampath serves as the head of Corporate and European Affairs for Tata Consultancy Services across TCS’ European operations. Prior to this she served as the Director External Relations for Europe and as the Marketing Head for TCS Benelux, a period that saw exceptionally fast growth for TCS.
Vidhya has served as the Director of the Europe India Institute at Nyenrode Business University and initiated the Netherlands India Institute.
As a private consultant she advised several major corporates and public institutions in Europe on business collaboration with India and has orchestrated several high-level missions to India.
Vidhya serves presently as a Vice President on the board of the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade and is on the advisory Board to the Europe India Chamber of Commerce.
Vidhya holds a Bachelors degree in Architecture (cum laude), a Masters degree in Urban development and Housing Studies and a MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management. Vidhya is a fully certified yoga teacher and enjoys teaching and practicing yoga on a daily basis.
Get ready to connect with your peers!
Come back soon to see who already registered for NIBM 2026!