Modi in The Hague: PM Addresses Diaspora and Holds Talks with Dutch Royals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought global attention to The Hague's Indian diaspora during his six-day multi-nation European tour in May 2026. His stop in the Dutch capital featured a royal audience at the Huis ten Bosch Palace and a community gathering that drew hundreds from the local Indian community, underscoring the Netherlands as both a strategic partner and a home for the South Asian diaspora.
🤝 Modi Rallies Indian Diaspora in The Hague, Lauds Expanding Trade and Innovation Ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian community in The Hague as part of his six-day European tour in May 2026. Speaking at a special diaspora programme, Modi highlighted the pivotal role that Indian professionals and entrepreneurs play in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands. He praised the expanding trade and economic relationship between the two countries, noting that technology and innovation are fast emerging as central pillars of the India-Netherlands partnership, with Dutch companies increasingly collaborating with Indian counterparts in semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and clean energy. The gathering was seen as a powerful affirmation of the Indian diaspora's rising influence in European policy and commerce. Attendees reportedly included business leaders, academics, and cultural figures from across the Dutch-Indian community. Modi also drew attention to the longstanding contributions of Indian-origin professionals to Dutch society and the knowledge economy. Community members welcomed the visit as formal recognition of their efforts and expressed hope that it would translate into enhanced visa pathways, stronger people-to-people exchanges, and deeper cultural cooperation between the two nations. [1]
🗳️ Royal Meeting at Huis ten Bosch Opens New Chapter in India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's audience with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Huis ten Bosch Palace marked a high point of his European tour and a significant milestone in India-Netherlands bilateral relations. The royal meeting, held at one of the Netherlands' iconic royal residences, signalled an elevation of diplomatic ties beyond trade into the realms of strategic partnership. The visit included discussions with Dutch government officials and business leaders focused on defence, security, and innovation cooperation. Both nations are expected to deepen collaboration in advanced technology, including semiconductor manufacturing, water management, and sustainable agriculture—sectors where the Netherlands holds formidable expertise and India offers scale and growing market access. Modi's visit comes as India and the European Union are in active talks over a free trade agreement, and the Netherlands—home to global corporations such as ASML and Philips—is a critical stakeholder. Officials from both governments described the engagements as constructive and forward-looking. The visit is expected to be followed by formal bilateral agreements on innovation corridors and academic exchange programmes, with direct benefits anticipated for Indian-origin professionals residing and working across the Netherlands. [3]