Amsterdam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday as part of the second stop of his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour, with a packed agenda focused on strengthening India’s strategic and economic ties with the Dutch leadership.
During his visit to Amsterdam, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and also meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
The talks are expected to center on expanding cooperation in critical sectors, including semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence, innovation and water management, areas that have emerged as key pillars of India-Netherlands relations in recent years.
Modi’s arrival in Amsterdam came hours after he concluded a high-level visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid heightened tensions in West Asia.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s strong support for the UAE and condemned recent attacks targeting the Gulf nation.
“We strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE. The way the UAE has been targeted is unacceptable in any way,” PM Modi said during the bilateral talks.
Describing the UAE as his “second home,” Modi thanked the Emirati leadership for the warm welcome extended to him and praised the special gesture of UAE Air Force fighter jets escorting his aircraft upon arrival.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude for this warm welcome. As you said, I have come to my second home,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the aerial escort was “a matter of pride for the people of India.”
Modi also thanked the UAE leadership for conveying condolences over the recent natural disaster in Uttar Pradesh and said he had been personally looking forward to meeting the UAE President.
Praising Abu Dhabi’s response to the evolving regional situation, the Prime Minister commended the UAE leadership for demonstrating “restraint, courage and wisdom” during a challenging period.
He further welcomed efforts under the UAE leadership to preserve “national unity, security and regional integrity” amid rising instability across the region.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the UAE government and the royal family for extending support to the Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf nation during difficult times.
