PM Modi meets Dutch royals, holds talks on boosting India-Netherlands ties across key sectors
The Hague, May 16
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stated that he exchanged perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors during his meeting with the Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague.
"Met His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima at the Royal Palace. It was wonderful exchanging perspectives on boosting India-Netherlands friendship across key sectors like technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce and water resources," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.
"India and the Netherlands are connected by shared interests and a shared belief in building a future-ready planet," he added.
PM Modi's ongoing visit to the country focuses on deepening bilateral relations between the two countries and the signing of a Strategic Partnership to that end.
This is the Prime Minister's second visit to the Netherlands and comes at an important juncture in bilateral ties.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India-Netherlands partnership has considerably deepened over the last few years across traditional sectors of trade, investment, and priority sectors of WAH, that is, water, agriculture, and health, as well as people-to-people ties. In recent years, cooperation has further expanded into strategic areas of technology, innovation, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education and the maritime domain.
Further, people-to-people ties remain a key aspect of India-Netherlands bilateral relationship. The Netherlands is home to over 90,000 non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin alongside over 200,000 numbers of the Suriname Hindustani Community. Around 3,500 Indian students are currently enrolled in various universities there.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi attended an Indian community reception in The Hague. On arrival, he was accorded a warm and spirited welcome by a large gathering of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in the Netherlands.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic and colourful reception. He praised the Indian diaspora for its contributions to the Dutch society and for serving as a living bridge of friendship between India and the Netherlands. He also recalled the deep and enduring historical ties of the Surinami-Hindustani community with India, and commended their efforts to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage across generations.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the large number of Indian professionals in the technology sector and the growing number of Indian students in Dutch universities, particularly in innovation-driven fields, were adding strength to contemporary partnership between the two countries. He further noted that sports linkages, in particular Cricket and Hockey, were contributing to new vibrancy to the close people-to-people ties between the two countries.
"Deeply touched by the immense enthusiasm and affection of the Indian community at the community programme in The Hague. Their energy and connection with India are deeply special," PM Modi posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Water resources cooperation is crucial for India - we face severe water stress in many regions. Dutch expertise in flood management and water recycling could be game-changing. But I wish the article mentioned specific agreements or MoUs rather than just "exchanging perspectives." Still, any step toward sustainable growth is welcome. 🇮🇳🌊
The Indian diaspora in Netherlands is huge and they contribute so much to both countries. PM Modi's message about them being a "living bridge of friendship" is spot on. Also, cricket and hockey ties adding new vibrancy - that's the kind of soft power diplomacy we need. Good to see our PM respected globally. 🙏
While the optics are nice, I hope this isn't just another European charm offensive without substance. India needs real technology transfers in semiconductors and renewable energy from Netherlands - not just joint statements. The China angle is also there - Netherlands is a key tech partner for them too. Let's see if this visit yields actual investment commitments.
Really happy to see 3,500 Indian students in Netherlands now. My cousin is there studying water management at TU Delft - she says Dutch universities are excellent in sustainability fields. This kind of education partnership will benefit India in the long run. Plus, the cultural ties with Suriname Hindustani community are so unique! 🌷
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