PM Modi gets enthusiastic welcome, Garba performance in Netherlands

PM Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome with cultural performances from the Indian community in The Hague, Netherlands. Part of a five-nation tour, his visit aims to deepen ties in trade, energy, and technology with the EU.

Upon his arrival in the Netherlands as part of the second leg of his five-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was graced by an enthusiastic welcome by the Indian community in The Hague. The Prime Minister was welcomed with cultural performances too. PM Modi shared heartfelt moments with the Indian community and witnessed a cultural and classical performance after he arrived at the hotel.

Cultural Welcome by Indian Diaspora

An artist, Gautam, who performed in front of PM Modi, expressed happiness upon his interaction. "We performed Garba to welcome PM Modi. We interacted with him, and we are all very happy," he told ANI.

Another artist, Reema described the experience as "amazing" and said, "We are all feeling very happy to perform in front of PM Modi...The entire experience was amazing."

Official Engagements in the Netherlands

Earlier, the Prime Minister landed at Amsterdam Airport and was welcomed by Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of His Majesty the King, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands Kumar Tuhin, along with other senior officials of the Dutch government.

In an 'X' post, PM Modi said that he would be meeting Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and would call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. He will also address the Indian community in the country on Saturday. "Landed in Amsterdam. This visit to the Netherlands comes at a time when the India-EU Free Trade Agreement has given a major impetus to trade and investment linkages. It offers an opportunity to deepen relations in areas like semiconductors, water, clean energy and more. Will be holding talks with Prime Minister Rob Jetten and will be calling on Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. I also look forward to addressing a community programme on the morning of the 16th," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on 'X'.

First Leg of Tour: UAE Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, during which he visited United Arab Emirates as part of the first leg of the visit.

Modi Reaffirms 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder' Support

PM Modi met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan earlier on Friday and reaffirmed India's strong support for the country. The Prime Minister stressed that New Delhi stands "shoulder-to-shoulder" with Abu Dhabi amid growing regional instability in West Asia.

Addressing the UAE leadership during the meeting, PM Modi described the UAE as his "second home" and thanked the Emirati side for the warm reception extended to him. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for this warm welcome. And as you said, I have come to my second home," PM Modi said, adding that the escort provided by UAE Air Force aircraft during his arrival was "a matter of pride for the people of India."

The Prime Minister also thanked the UAE leadership for expressing condolences over the recent natural disaster in Uttar Pradesh and said he had been personally eager to meet the UAE president. "We strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE. The way the UAE has been targeted is unacceptable in any way," PM Modi stated during the talks.

Praising the UAE leadership's handling of the situation, PM Modi said, "In these difficult circumstances, the restraint, courage, and wisdom you have shown are highly commendable." He also welcomed efforts under the UAE leadership to maintain "national unity, security, and regional integrity."

PM Modi expressed appreciation to the UAE government and the royal family for supporting the Indian community living in the Gulf nation during difficult times. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)