The Hague, May 16: Narendra Modi on Saturday shared photographs and videos from the welcome organised by members of the Indian diaspora during his official visit to the Netherlands, as India and the Netherlands prepare to hold high-level bilateral discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister described the reception by the Indian community as “remarkable” and highlighted the strong cultural connection displayed during the event.
In posts shared on social media platform X, PM Modi said the welcome programme featured performances representing multiple Indian classical dance traditions, including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam. A Garba performance was also organised as part of the cultural reception.
The event drew participation from members of the Indian diaspora residing across different parts of the Netherlands, many of whom gathered to welcome the Prime Minister during his arrival in The Hague.
Officials stated that PM Modi’s visit to the Netherlands forms part of a broader multi-nation diplomatic tour across Europe intended to strengthen India’s strategic, economic and technological partnerships with key European countries.
During his stay, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
He is also expected to meet Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima as part of the official engagements scheduled during the visit.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions between the two countries are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, renewable energy, maritime affairs, innovation and technology.
Officials stated that the visit comes at an important stage in India-Netherlands bilateral relations, particularly as both countries seek to expand collaboration in emerging technology sectors and sustainable economic development initiatives.
This marks PM Modi’s second official visit to the Netherlands, his previous visit having taken place in 2017.
The Netherlands has emerged as one of India’s important European partners in sectors related to logistics, clean energy, agriculture, water management and high-technology industries.
During a media briefing ahead of the visit, Sibi George stated that bilateral cooperation has expanded considerably in recent years beyond traditional sectors such as trade and investment.
According to the Ministry, collaboration has increasingly focused on areas including semiconductors, innovation, defence cooperation, renewable energy, education and maritime security.
Officials also noted that people-to-people relations remain an important pillar of India-Netherlands ties.
The Netherlands is home to more than 90,000 Non-Resident Indians and persons of Indian origin, along with a large Suriname Hindustani community estimated at more than 200,000 people.
In addition, around 3,500 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in universities and institutions across the Netherlands.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit will provide an opportunity to deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora community while also strengthening institutional and business partnerships between the two countries.
PM Modi is also expected to interact with business leaders and representatives of industry during the visit, with discussions likely to include investment opportunities, technological collaboration and supply-chain partnerships.
Officials believe the visit could help consolidate new strategic dimensions in the India-Netherlands relationship, especially in sectors linked to advanced manufacturing, clean energy transition and maritime cooperation.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to remain in the Netherlands till May 17 before proceeding to the next leg of his diplomatic tour.
