Theme: 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.
🗓 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.
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
(14.00-14.20) Registration & Informal networking
Opening Session
14.20 Start Program
14.20-14.25 Welcome
14.25-14.30 Welcome by Edith Nordmann – Chairman NICCT
FROM NEGOTIATION TO TRANSFORMATION: THE INDIA-EU TRADE AGENDA
The Government 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.
Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services in conversation with:
(14.30-15.00)
H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin – Ambassador of India to The Netherlands
H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards – Ambassador of Netherlands to India (online)
POWERING THE FUTURE: MAKING THE FTA & BILATERAL COOPERATION WORK FOR EUROPE & INDIA
An Expert Perspective
Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services in conversation with:
(15:00-15:30) Dharmendra Kanani – COO – Friends of Europe
Jelke Schippers – NICCT Board member – CEO Smartshore announces:
(15.30-15.35) Spark the Future – NICCT Innovation Award- Pitch 1 – Larisa Rodrigues – Sr Marketing Manager – eVa COLREGS
Innovation will take centre stages as 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.
(15:35-15:55) Break
Jelke Schippers – NICCT Board member – CEO Smartshore announces:
(15:55-16:00) Spark the Future – NICCT Innovation Award- Pitch 2 – Guru Swaroop Bennabhaktula – Co-Founder – CEO – ForensifAI
BUILDING AT SCALE: LESSONS FROM INDIA’S DIGITAL PAYMENTS TRANSFORMATION
A Leadership Perspective
Sudip Lahiri – Vice Chairman NICCT – Executive Vice President & Head – Europe & UKI, Financial Services HCLTech in conversation with:
(16.00-16.40) In Conversation With:
• Vijay Shekhar Sharma – CEO – PayTM (online)
(16:40-16:50) Remarks by Mr. Sanjay Pradhan, Chair NICCT India, President World Forum for Ethics in Business (online)
Jelke Schippers – NICCT Board member – CEO Smartshore announces:
(16.50-16.55) Spark the Future – NICCT Innovation Award – Pitch 3 – Dr. Simranjeet Singh – Co-Founder & CTO – Ximplic Systems
BEYOND MARKET ACCESS: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW EU-INDIA ERA
An Industry 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.
Vidhya Sampath – NICCT VP Programs and Liaison to Advisory Board – Director Corporate Affairs Europe – Tata Consultancy Services in conversation with:
(16.55-17.40) Panel discussion:
Jurgen Kwik- CEO- Bilthoven Biologicals
Charbel Moussa, PhD – Partner – KPMG
Michiel Smit – Sr Business Development – RVO
(17.40-17.50)
Audience Voting & Award
(17.50-17.55) Closing remarks
(17.55-19.00) 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:
H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin – Ambassador of India to The Netherlands
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is also responsible for India’s relations with OPCW, ICJ, PCA and other legal institutions in The Hague.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991 and earlier served as Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from December 2021 to October 2024, Ambassador to Hungary from November 2018 to November 2021 and High Commissioner to Namibia from June 2015 to October, 2018.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin started his career in the Indian Mission in Hong Kong in 1993, where he served till 1995. Subsequently, he moved to the Indian Embassy in Beijing where he worked as a political officer from 1995 to 1999. Thereafter, he has served in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva (1999-2002), in the Indian Embassy in Hanoi (2005-2009) and as Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco (2009-2012).
He has also served in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi in various capacities including as Deputy Secretary/Director dealing with China and East Asia matters during 2002- 2005. During 2012-2015, he headed the Development Partnership Administration Division in the Ministry dealing with the entire capacity building programs of the Govt of India, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme as well as implementation of grant assistance projects in South East Asia, Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America and setting up of Centres of Excellence in IT and the Vocational Training Centres abroad.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is a mechanical engineer by training and served in the Indian railways services of mechanical engineers for a few years before joining the Indian Foreign Service.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin speaks Hindi (Mother Tongue), English, Chinese and French (limited). He has published an article entitled “India’s development cooperation through capacity building” in a book “India’s Approach to Development Cooperation” by Routledge, 2016.
Ambassador Kumar Tuhin is married and has two daughters.
H.E. Mrs. Marisa Gerards– Ambassador of The Netherlands to India
HE Ms Marisa Gerards is the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan. She has started working in this role as of August 2023 and is based in the city of New Delhi. Ambassador Gerards presented her credentials to the President of India on 21 August 2023.
Prior to her current assignment, she was the Director General at the Ministry of Defence in the Netherlands after having served for 4 years as Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO. From 2014 till 2018 Marisa was accredited as Ambassador to South Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswathini).
Ms Gerards was born in Amsterdam and has pursued her education at the University of Amsterdam in European Studies. In her diplomatic career of three decades, she has served in various capacities in various countries and at various Ministries and Institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, The Hague.
She is married to Mr. Peter Knoope who serves as an associate fellow of the Clingendael Institute for International Relations and is the founder of the ICCT – The Hague.
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.
BUILDING AT SCALE: LESSONS FROM INDIA’S DIGITAL PAYMENTS TRANSFORMATION
A Leadership Perspective
Vijay Shekhar Sharma – Founder & CEO – PayTM
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder of Paytm and an Indian technology innovator who has transformed the mobile payments and financial services distribution landscape in the country. He led India’s shift towards a mobile-first economy and pioneered innovations such as QR code-based payments, Soundbox, and card machines—redefining the way Indians transact. A firm believer in the power of emerging technologies, Vijay has been at the forefront of India’s Artificial Intelligence revolution, driving advancements that enhance financial inclusion, strengthen digital infrastructure, and drive innovation in the payments ecosystem. He is also a prolific investor, supporting startups across fintech, e-commerce, and technology, shaping the future of India’s tech landscape and reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in digital advancements.
Dr. Sanjay Pradhan – President World Forum for Ethics in Business
Sanjay Pradhan was appointed President of the World Forum for Ethics in Business (WFEB) in June 2025. Heading into WFEB’s 20th Anniversary celebrations at the European Parliament in 2026, Sanjay’s role is to lead WFEB’s next phase, leveraging the global platform to scale up ethical and socially responsible business. To this end, Sanjay will convene – in WFEB’s flagship symposiums – leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, and lead WFEB’s high-level dialogue and advocacy globally.
Prior to this, Sanjay concluded an outstanding nine-year tenure as CEO of OGP from 2016 to 2025. Under his leadership, OGP achieved global scale, expanding its membership to 77 countries and 150 local governments along with thousands of civil society organizations who together delivered more than 5,500 reforms to make governments more open and less corrupt. As OGP CEO, Sanjay led OGP’s policy dialogue with Heads of States, ministers and civil society organizations, and served as OGP’s global spokesperson. After completing his tenure as CEO, Sanjay has been serving as OGP Global Ambassador.
Prior to OGP, Sanjay served as the World Bank Vice President for eight years holding multiple portfolios, including the World Bank’s Vice President for Leadership, Learning and Innovation, Vice President of the World Bank Institute, and the World Bank’s first Director for Governance.
Sanjay is a global spokesperson and distinguished speaker on governance, democracy, anticorruption and ethics, speaking in major world forums including a TED Talk, the UN General Assembly, the European Parliament, the BBC World Debate, London Anti-Corruption Summit, International Anticorruption Conference, and OGP Global Summits.
At the 2022 World Economic Forum Davos, Sanjay was awarded Social Innovator of the Year 2022 by The Schwab Foundation for being “a tireless champion of good governance and fighting corruption”.
Sanjay has published widely. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College.
BEYOND MARKET ACCESS: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW EU-INDIA ERA
An Industry Perspective
Jurgen Kwik – CEO – Bilthoven Biologicals
Jurgen Kwik is an experienced executive in the international life sciences and vaccine sector. As CEO of Bilthoven Biologicals, he leads an organization dedicated to producing vaccines that contribute to improving global public health.
Bilthoven Biologicals is part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group in India, the world’s leading vaccine manufacturer. In addition to quality and safety, affordability and global accessibility of vaccines are central to the company’s mission.
Earlier in his career, Jurgen held roles at Johnson & Johnson, Crucell, and the Boston Consulting Group. He studied Pharmacy at the University of Groningen.
With extensive experience in general management, business development, market strategy, and quality policy, Jurgen operates at the intersection of public health and international business. He is driven by translating complex technological processes and global market developments into sustainable growth strategies and tangible results.
As a speaker, Jurgen shares insights on innovation in the life sciences sector, the critical role of vaccines in strengthening global resilience against (emerging) epidemics, the challenges of operating internationally in highly regulated environments, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Through close collaboration with colleagues in India and other countries, he has also gained significant experience in working within a truly multicultural organization.
Charbel Moussa, PhD – Partner KPMG
Charbel Moussa is a Partner and Head of Sustainability Services at KPMG The Netherlands. He focuses on decarbonisation, energy security and transition with nearly 20 years of experience in this domain. Prior to joining KPMG, Charbel started his career as investment manager of alternative energy projects and low-carbon technology fund. He advised multinationals in more than 20 countries, mainly in Europe and the Middle East, offering sustainability strategy services, portfolio scan and assessment, future outlook of technology scenarios and capacity building. He also supported several governments and public entities in setting up market infrastructure for carbon certificate trading.
Charbel holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, and is fluent in Arabic, English and French written and spoken.
Michiel Smit – Sr Business Developer – Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Michiel Smit is a Senior Business Developer at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), where he develops and executes long-term trade support strategies to connect Dutch businesses with economic opportunities in India and Bangladesh. Utilizing RVO’s integrated approach Michiel initiates trade missions, market research, and public-private partnerships that support Dutch commercial success and foster sustainable local economic growth. With over a decade of international experience, including managing cross-cultural programs in New Delhi and internationalization at the University of Amsterdam. Michiel holds a Master’s degree in the History of International Relations from the University of Amsterdam.
SPARK THE FUTURE NOMINEES
Larisa Rodrigues – Sr. Marketing Manager – eDOT Solutions
eDOT Solutions is an offshore software development and maritime technology company that specializes in building AI-powered digital solutions for the maritime sector. Founded by maritime professionals Capt. Ruchin Dayal and Nandita Dayal, the company combines deep industry expertise with advanced technology to create scalable software products and automation systems tailored to modern shipping and maritime operations. Their services span software development, cloud and IT management, cybersecurity, animation, AI-powered automation, and digital training solutions.
The company has developed a portfolio of maritime-focused products designed to address operational efficiency, compliance, training, and safety challenges in the shipping industry. These include AI-driven platforms such as eVa COLREGS for maritime training, eVa SMARTeYe for intelligent visual monitoring, Sailor Skill for seafarer assessments, IntellisNET for maritime cyber compliance, and Seafarer LMS for digital learning management. Through an Agile and MVP-driven development approach, eDOT Solutions helps maritime organizations transform ideas into production-ready technology platforms built for scale and real-world deployment.
Guru Swaroop Bennabhaktula – Co-Founder / CEO – ForensifAI
Company Profile: ForensifAI verifies image authenticity at the source. Every photo carries an invisible camera fingerprint – we read it and turn it into proof. In a world where AI generates convincing fakes at scale, this matters across every industry that depends on photographs to make decisions: identity verification, document issuance, insurance claims, evidence integrity. Rather than chasing every new manipulation technique, we take a fundamentally different approach: verifying authenticity at the camera level. Built on years of academic research in pattern recognition and digital forensics at the University of Groningen, ForensifAI’s mission is to make image authenticity verification universally accessible.
Dr. Simranjeet Singh – Co-Founder & CTO – Ximplic Systems
Company Profile: Ximplic Systems is a University of Groningen spin-out building programmable, energy-efficient AI inference IP for the edge. Its compute-in-memory architecture runs AI directly inside the memory, eliminating the data movement that drains power on conventional chips – delivering up to 100× lower energy per inference. Licensed as a drop-in hard macro, the IP is host-agnostic (ARM, RISC-V, or custom cores) and programmable across audio, vision, and sensor workloads. Ximplic’s work has been recognised with a HiPEAC Tech Transfer Award and a Deeptech Pioneer Fellowship.
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 130+ participants!
Please find here the registrations until 15.6.2026: Deelnemerslijst 2026 (voor website 15.6.2026)