Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on the second leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Europe and boosting cooperation in trade, technology, semiconductors, clean energy, and defence.
PM Modi landed in Amsterdam after concluding a brief but significant stopover in the United Arab Emirates, where discussions mainly focused on energy security and regional stability amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The Indian Prime Minister was welcomed at the airport by Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and senior officials of the Netherlands government. Upon arriving at his hotel in The Hague, Modi also received a grand welcome from members of the Indian diaspora, who organised cultural performances including Garba and classical dance events.
During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and also meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, water management, renewable energy, green hydrogen, defence cooperation, resilient supply chains, and innovation partnerships.
In a post shared after arriving in Amsterdam, Modi said the visit comes at an important time when the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has provided “major impetus” to trade and investment relations. He added that the trip offers opportunities to deepen cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors, water, clean energy, and advanced technology.
Officials say the Netherlands remains one of India’s key economic partners in Europe. Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, serves as a major gateway for Indian exports into the European market, making trade logistics and maritime cooperation another important part of the discussions.
The Netherlands visit is part of Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic mission covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy between May 15 and May 20. Analysts say the tour reflects India’s strategy to strengthen global economic partnerships and secure technology, energy, and investment cooperation during a period of rising geopolitical uncertainty.
After the Netherlands leg, Modi will travel to Sweden and Norway for the India-Nordic Summit before concluding the tour in Italy.
