Amsterdam Welcomes PM Modi With Cultural Performances and NRI Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Amsterdam during his visit to the Netherlands as part of his five-nation international tour. Arriving late on Friday night, PM Modi began the second leg of his diplomatic journey after a short stop in the United Arab Emirates. His visit highlights the growing partnership between India and the Netherlands, especially in trade, technology, clean energy, and innovation. Soon after landing, PM Modi shared a message on social media saying, “I have arrived in Amsterdam.” At the airport, he was welcomed by senior Dutch officials, including Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, and India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Kumar Tuhin. The Indian diaspora also gathered in large numbers to greet the Prime Minister with Indian flags, cultural performances, and enthusiastic celebrations. During his stay, PM Modi is expected to meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. He will also hold important discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Zetten to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Key areas of discussion include trade, semiconductors, defense, water management, green technology, startups, and renewable energy. The visit comes at an important time, following the successful finalization of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement earlier this year. Officials believe the agreement will further boost economic ties and investment opportunities between India and European nations, including the Netherlands. India and the Netherlands already share strong economic relations. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly US$27.8 billion in the financial year 2024-25. The Netherlands is also among the top foreign investors in India, with total investments crossing US$55 billion. The Netherlands is home to more than 90,000 Indians and NRIs, along with a large Surinamese-Hindustani community of over 200,000 people. Around 3,500 Indian students are also studying in Dutch universities, further strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations. PM Modi’s visit is expected to deepen these ties and open new opportunities for future collaboration.