PM Modi Netherlands Visit Highlights: ‘The Hague has become living symbol of Indian friendship’, says PM Modi

Modi said India and the Netherlands are deepening cooperation across key sectors such as energy security and water security. Highlighting growing economic ties, Modi said the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement would further strengthen the partnership between the two countries. He added that the Netherlands could emerge as a natural gateway for Indian businesses looking to expand into Europe, while the Indian diaspora there would play the role of a trusted bridge in boosting bilateral engagement.

"Aspirations in India are unlimited, so efforts are also becoming limitless", said PM Modi at diaspora event in The Hague.

Addressing a community event in The Hague, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only. It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "12 years ago today, on May 16, 2014, the results of the Lok Sabha elections were declared. After decades, a stable government with an absolute majority was formed in India. The trust of crores of Indians does not let me stop or tire."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Whenever I had a conversation with the leadership of the Netherlands, they always praised the Indian diaspora. Every Indian is proud of your contribution to the society and economy of the Netherlands."

Addressing Indian community in The Hague, PM Modi says, “As I was entering here, I could see the spirit of the entire Maharashtra and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, my beloved Rajasthan, and friends from UP and Assam among you all. After meeting all of you today, I will also have the opportunity to meet His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Along with this, I will hold detailed discussions on several subjects with Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Over the years, whenever I have spoken about the Netherlands with its leaders, they have always highly praised the Indian diaspora here.”

Addressing the Indian community, PM Modi says, "To be honest, for a moment, I completely forgot that I was in the Netherlands. It felt as if some festival was taking place somewhere in India itself. The Hague is known around the world as the City of Peace and Justice, but looking at this atmosphere, it feels like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship."

"Delighted to interact with the Indian community in The Hague. Their warmth, achievements and strong bond with India continue to make us proud," says PM Modi.

Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's community event in The Hague today, members of the Indian diaspora express their excitement. "PM Modi has provided global recognition to India. We are very excited to meet him," says one. "We are very proud to say that we are Indians. We belong to that India which has left a mark on the global landscape," says a member of the Indian diaspora. "Feeling great to meet the world leader. For me, he is the number 1 in the world for creating peace and harmony," says another member.

"In a short while from now, will be addressing a community programme in The Hague, Netherlands. It’s always a delight to interact with the Indian diaspora," PM Modi posted on X.

"The reception, by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, was very special. The reception included a dance performance featuring Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. There was also a Garba performance," PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi shared a message on social media highlighting the importance of the visit. He said the India-EU Free Trade Agreement has created fresh opportunities for stronger trade and investment ties. The Prime Minister also said both countries can work more closely in sectors such as water management, clean energy and advanced technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his two-day visit an opportunity to deepen India–Netherlands ties across sectors such as semiconductors, water management and clean energy. He noted the India–EU Free Trade Agreement has given a major impetus to trade and investment, creating scope for expanded cooperation. PM Modi said he will meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, call on Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and address the Indian community during a programme on Saturday morning.

Discussions between PM Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten are expected to focus heavily on trade expansion, semiconductors, renewable energy, innovation and defence cooperation. Officials said the visit comes at a crucial stage in India-Netherlands relations as both countries look to deepen strategic and economic engagement.

Prime Minister landed at Amsterdam Airport and was welcomed by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King; Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen; and Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin, along with other senior officials of the Dutch government. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he would be meeting Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and would call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his five-nation tour, where he is slated to hold key meetings focussed on trade, defence, semiconductors, innovation and clean energy cooperation. The visit, which runs from May 15 to 17, is PM Modi’s second trip to the European nation after his 2017 visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared glimpses of a vibrant welcome accorded to him by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands as part of his five-nation tour, describing the reception as "remarkable" and highlighting the rich cultural showcase presented by the community. In a post on X, PM Modi said the welcome featured an impressive dance performance representing multiple classical Indian dance forms, including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam, with the programme also including a lively Garba performance, reflecting the diversity and cultural depth of India's heritage abroad."Yesterday's welcome by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands was remarkable. The welcome included a dance performance covering Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam. It also included a Garba performance", the post read.

PM Narendra Modi shared some more glimpses from the welcome by the Indian community in the Netherlands.

Sharing some more glimpses from the welcome by the Indian community in the Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/Pbh47hZ7kX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026

"Welcome by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands was remarkable. The welcome included a dance performance covering Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam. It also included a Garba performance," PM Modi posted on X.

Artist, Reema described the experience as "amazing" and said, "We are all feeling very happy to perform in front of PM Modi. The entire experience was amazing."

On PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, Indian dance professional in the Netherlands, Chandrika Sundararaman, says, "Last time when he came in 2017, we met him… Now again he is coming, so we are very happy that the Indian PM is coming to Holland… The connection between India and the Netherlands is great… When we speak about India, Dutch people show a lot of interest, which shows how much these two countries are connected…”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with cultural performances as he arrived at a hotel in Amsterdam.

PM Modi received a warm welcome from Indian community in Amsterdam. PM Modi arrived in the Netherlands on the second leg of his five-nation tour, during which he will hold talks with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence and renewable energy.

On arrival, Modi was welcomed by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King. Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin were also present. The Prime Minister interacted warmly with the Indian diaspora, exchanging handshakes and smiles as he engaged with members of the community. The reception reflected strong ties between India’s global citizens and their homeland.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posts, "Goedeavond Nederland! PM Narendra Modi has arrived in the Netherlands. The visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted India–Netherlands partnership and to engage with the largest Indian diaspora on mainland Europe."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Amsterdam, describing his two-day Netherlands visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors. He highlighted emerging opportunities following the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which has given a major boost to trade and investment linkages.

Modi said the visit offers scope to deepen relations in areas such as semiconductors, water management and clean energy. He will hold talks aimed at expanding technology, energy and trade partnerships between India and the Netherlands.

In an X post, PM Modi confirmed meetings with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and a call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. He also said he would address the Indian community during a programme on Saturday morning.

India and the Netherlands have expanded cooperation significantly beyond traditional sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, water management and healthcare. According to the MEA, both countries are now also working closely in areas including semiconductors, defence, security, innovation, renewable energy, maritime cooperation, education and technology. PM Modi is also expected to meet leading Dutch business leaders during the visit.

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exchanged various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding horizons of cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. In an 'X' post, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said on Friday that the agreements which were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were mainly related to the defence sector.The event was also attended by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy PM and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"Landed in Amsterdam. This visit comes at an opportune moment as the India–EU free trade agreement has boosted trade and investment, creating scope to deepen cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors, water management, and clean energy. I will hold talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten, meet Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and address the community on the morning of the 16th," PM Modi posted on X.

Geland in Amsterdam. Dit bezoek aan Nederland vindt plaats op een moment dat de vrijhandelsovereenkomst tussen India en de EU een belangrijke impuls heeft gegeven aan de handels- en investeringsbetrekkingen. Het biedt de kans om de banden te versterken op gebieden als… pic.twitter.com/zXk3HZHVVN

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2026

Upon his arrival in the Netherlands as part of the second leg of his five-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was graced by an enthusiastic welcome by the Indian community in The Hague. The Prime Minister was welcomed with cultural performances too.PM Modi shared heartfelt moments with the Indian community and witnessed a cultural and classical performance after he arrived at the hotel. An artist, Gautam, who performed in front of PM Modi, expressed happiness upon his interaction.