Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. They exchanged views on enhancing the friendship between India and the Netherlands in areas such as technology, innovation, sustainable growth, commerce, and water resources. PM Modi highlighted the shared interests and commitment to building a future-ready planet between the two nations.
PM Modi’s visit to the Netherlands aims to deepen bilateral relations and establish a Strategic Partnership. This visit marks the Prime Minister’s second trip to the Netherlands and is crucial for enhancing the ties between the two countries. The partnership between India and the Netherlands has strengthened significantly in recent years, encompassing trade, investment, water, agriculture, health, and various strategic sectors like technology, innovation, defence, and renewable energy.
The India-Netherlands relationship also emphasizes people-to-people connections, with a significant Indian diaspora in the Netherlands. Over 90,000 non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin, along with a sizable Suriname Hindustani Community, contribute to the cultural fabric of the Netherlands. Additionally, around 3,500 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Dutch universities, further enhancing bilateral ties.
During a community reception in The Hague, PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contributions to Dutch society and its role in fostering friendship between India and the Netherlands. He acknowledged the historical ties of the Surinami-Hindustani community with India and their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. Modi also highlighted the increasing presence of Indian professionals in the technology sector and students in Dutch universities, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two nations.
