THE HAGUE, Netherlands, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be received by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during his two-day official visit to the country on May 16 and 17, according to an official statement issued by the Dutch government.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and formalising a strategic partnership between India and the Netherlands.
According to the statement, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will host Prime Minister Modi for an audience at Huis ten Bosch Palace on May 16.
The royal engagement will be followed by a luncheon hosted in honor of the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation. The event is expected to be attended by Dutch Foreign Minister Berendsen, senior industry leaders, and representatives from the arts, culture, and academic sectors.
Separately, Prime Minister Rob Jetten will receive Modi at the Catshuis, the official residence of the Dutch Prime Minister, where the two leaders will participate in a roundtable discussion with chief executive officers hosted by Minister Sjoerdsma of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
A cooperation agreement between two companies is also expected to be signed in the presence of both leaders.
The two prime ministers will later participate in another roundtable discussion focused on strengthening economic cooperation between India and the Netherlands, followed by brief addresses from both sides.
“In the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Jetten, a cooperation agreement is signed between two companies. Subsequently, both prime ministers participate in a roundtable discussion with CEOs of Dutch companies regarding economic cooperation between the Netherlands and India. Minister Sjoerdsma delivers an opening address,” the statement noted.
In the evening, Prime Minister Modi will attend a delegation-level meeting and an informal dinner hosted by Prime Minister Jetten at the Catshuis.
Discussions are expected to cover major global and regional developments, including the situation in West Asia, the war in Ukraine, and cooperation in areas such as security, emerging technologies, water management, and trade.
Several agreements connected to the proposed India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership are also expected to be exchanged during the visit.
“Various agreements forming part of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries will also be exchanged,” the statement added.
The official engagements will conclude on May 17 with a working visit focused on water management cooperation.
The Netherlands visit forms the second leg of Prime Minister Modi’s five-nation tour, which also includes the UAE, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit comes at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and marks Modi’s second visit to the Netherlands following his 2017 trip.
The MEA said the visit is expected to deepen cooperation in key sectors including defence, security, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and the Strategic Partnership on Water.
The ministry further stated that early engagement with the new Dutch government offers an opportunity to expand and strengthen the multifaceted partnership between India and the Netherlands. (ANI)
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