PM lands in Netherlands, strengthens India-EU strategic & economic partnerships
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands late Friday night on the second leg of his ambitious five-nation diplomatic tour, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, economic, and technological partnerships across Europe.
Upon his arrival at Amsterdam Airport, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen. His visit to the Netherlands follows a brief but significant stop in the United Arab Emirates, where he held bilateral discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
In The Hague, the Prime Minister received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora, marked by vibrant cultural and musical performances, while Dutch troops accorded him a ceremonial reception.
During his stay, Mr Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Robb Jetten and meet Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Netherlands. The visit holds significance not only for India-Netherlands relations but also for broader India-European Union cooperation, especially in the wake of the recently concluded India-Europe Free Trade Agreement.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will address the Indian community and engage with CEOs of leading Dutch companies. Several key agreements are expected to be signed, particularly in advanced sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence, where the Netherlands is recognized as a global leader.
The Netherlands remains one of India’s most important economic partners, serving as a major export destination and a significant investor. Both nations share strong cooperation in areas including water management, renewable energy, green hydrogen, agriculture technology, and healthcare.
Following the Netherlands visit, Mr Modi will travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, on the third leg of his tour, where he will hold talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Both leaders are also set to address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On Monday, the Prime Minister will proceed to Norway for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and bilateral engagements. During his visit, he will meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and hold discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Mr Modi will also participate in the India-Norway Business and Research Summit.
The India-Nordic Summit on Tuesday will bring together leaders from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, focusing on strategic cooperation in technology, innovation, green transition, renewable energy, sustainability, defence, blue economy, space, and Arctic affairs.
In the final leg of his diplomatic mission, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Italy, where he is scheduled to meet President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The five-nation tour is being viewed as a major diplomatic initiative aimed at expanding India’s influence in Europe while reinforcing collaborations in trade, emerging technologies, sustainable development, and global strategic affairs.
