The Haque/New Delhi, 16 May (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday for the second leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour, aiming to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation in technology, defence, renewable energy and trade. The visit comes on the heels of a recently finalised India–EU free trade agreement expected to deepen bilateral investment and commercial ties.

Upon landing at Amsterdam Airport, the Prime Minister received an official welcome from senior Dutch officials, including a representative of the royal household and the Dutch foreign minister, alongside India’s ambassador to the Netherlands. Later in The Hague, he engaged warmly with members of the Indian diaspora, attending cultural performances and witnessing traditional and classical presentations organised in his honour.

PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and to call on King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima. The itinerary also includes meetings with leading Dutch business executives to explore collaboration in semiconductors, water technologies and clean energy, areas highlighted as priorities during the trip.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the Netherlands visit coincides with a favourable moment for India–Europe relations thanks to the new trade agreement, which he said provides an opportunity to expand cooperation across critical sectors. He added that he looked forward to addressing a community programme in The Hague.

The visit follows Modi’s stop in the United Arab Emirates, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed enhanced strategic ties. During that visit, the Prime Minister praised the UAE leadership for its handling of regional security challenges and expressed gratitude for the support extended to the Indian community there.

Officials hope the Netherlands leg of the tour will translate the momentum of recent diplomatic developments into concrete commercial and technological partnerships, reinforcing India’s engagement with European partners at a time of growing global economic interdependence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar