New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Saturday (India time) to a warm reception from members of the Indian diaspora, beginning a visit aimed at strengthening India’s growing strategic and economic engagement with the European nation following a high-profile trip to the United Arab Emirates.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on social media platform X that Modi had reached the Netherlands after a “productive UAE visit” and was accorded a warm welcome upon arrival.
Shortly after landing, Modi highlighted the enthusiastic reception from the Indian community in the Netherlands, describing the cultural performances organised in his honour as “remarkable.”
“.....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,” Modi said in a post on X.
Visuals from the reception showed members of the Indian diaspora waving Indian flags, chanting slogans in support of the Prime Minister and presenting performances reflecting India’s diverse cultural traditions. The inclusion of multiple classical dance forms alongside Garba, a folk dance associated with Gujarat, underscored the broad regional representation within the Indian community in the Netherlands.
Modi’s arrival in Amsterdam comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen cooperation with European nations in areas ranging from trade and technology to clean energy, semiconductors, defence manufacturing and supply-chain resilience. The Netherlands has emerged as one of India’s key economic partners in Europe, with strong collaboration in sectors such as water management, agriculture, logistics, high technology and sustainable development.
The visit follows Modi’s engagements in the UAE, where India and the Gulf nation reaffirmed their expanding strategic partnership through discussions on trade, energy security, investment and regional stability. The Prime Minister’s back-to-back diplomatic engagements are being viewed as part of India’s broader effort to strengthen ties with major economic partners across West Asia and Europe amid shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics.
India and the Netherlands have witnessed steadily growing bilateral trade in recent years, with Dutch companies maintaining a significant presence in India in areas including renewable energy, port infrastructure, electronics and innovation. The Netherlands is also among the largest destinations for Indian exports within Europe and serves as an important gateway for Indian businesses accessing European markets.
The Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, though relatively small compared to communities in countries such as the United States or Britain, has maintained strong cultural and economic links with India. Members of the diaspora have often played an active role during visits by Indian leaders, organising community events and cultural showcases that reflect India’s regional diversity and soft power outreach.
Modi has consistently used interactions with overseas Indians during foreign visits to underline the role of the diaspora as a bridge between India and partner countries. Since taking office in 2014, the Prime Minister has frequently addressed large diaspora gatherings abroad, portraying overseas Indians as important contributors to India’s global image, economic engagement and cultural influence.
Officials said the Netherlands visit would include discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation and reviewing progress in strategic sectors where the two countries have sought closer alignment in recent years. UNI SKA AAB