News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand and colourful welcome from the Indian diaspora during his visit to the Netherlands, with cultural performances and community gatherings underscoring the growing ties between India and Europe.
Sharing moments from the reception on X, Modi described the welcome as “very special” and praised the Indian community for organising vibrant performances showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage. The event featured classical dance forms such as Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam, along with an energetic Garba performance that added festive spirit to the occasion.
Deeply touched by the immense enthusiasm and affection of the Indian community at the community programme in The Hague. Their energy and connection with India are deeply special. pic.twitter.com/qGyHuUDtSc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
The Prime Minister arrived at Amsterdam Airport on Friday, where 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.
Calling his interaction with the Indian community “delightful”, Modi said the visit comes at a crucial moment when India’s economic engagement with Europe is gaining momentum. He noted that the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement could significantly strengthen trade and investment ties.
De ontvangst gisteren, van de Indiase diaspora in Nederland, was bijzonder. De ontvangst omvatte een dansvoorstelling met Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi en Mohiniyattam. Ook was er een Garba voorstelling. pic.twitter.com/oeTh1Uq7Yv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
Modi said the visit offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation between India and the Netherlands in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, water management and advanced technology.
During his stay, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
At a community reception in The Hague, the Prime Minister praised the contribution of the Indian-origin community to Dutch society and said their achievements have played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations.
He made special mention of the Surinami-Hindustani community, acknowledging its historical and cultural links with India and appreciating its efforts to preserve Indian traditions across generations.
Indian Talent Boosting Bilateral Ties
Modi said Indian professionals, entrepreneurs and students are driving a new phase of India-Netherlands cooperation, particularly in technology, innovation and education.
He highlighted the growing presence of Indian talent in the Dutch technology sector and the rising number of Indian students studying in universities across the Netherlands. He also said sports such as cricket and hockey continue to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Trade, Investment and Technology in Focus
Emphasising the economic partnership, Modi said the Netherlands remains one of India’s key export destinations in Europe and an important investor in the Indian economy.
He added that stronger India-EU economic cooperation could open fresh opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides, especially in emerging sectors linked to clean energy, manufacturing and digital innovation.
Modi Highlights India’s Development Journey
Addressing the diaspora, Modi spoke about India’s rapid transformation in infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital public systems.
He said these reforms are part of India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation — “Viksit Bharat” — by 2047, while also contributing to global economic growth.
The Prime Minister urged overseas Indians to support the Viksit Bharat mission by sharing their knowledge, expertise and global experience.
OCI Eligibility Expanded for Surinami-Hindustani Community
Modi also announced the expansion of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) eligibility for the Surinami-Hindustani community from the fourth generation to the sixth generation, a move aimed at strengthening cultural and family connections with India.
The Netherlands is home to the largest Indian-origin population in mainland Europe, including nearly 200,000 members of the Surinami-Hindustani community.
The Netherlands visit follows Modi’s recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, where India and the UAE signed several strategic agreements covering energy, defence, strategic petroleum reserves and liquefied petroleum gas supplies, further deepening bilateral cooperation.
