Jaishankar: India, EU negotiations on FTA have reached decisive phase
He told visiting Netherlands Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel that India counts on the Netherlands' support in moving towards an early conclusion of the FTA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands transformed into a vibrant celebration of Indian culture on Saturday as members of the Indian diaspora welcomed him with an elaborate showcase of classical dance traditions, devotional performances and folk art, reflecting the growing cultural footprint of Indians living abroad.
Sharing visuals from the event on social media, PM Modi termed the reception by the Indian community as “remarkable” and praised the diverse performances that highlighted India’s artistic heritage on foreign soil. The programme featured classical dance forms including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam, along with an energetic Garba performance that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
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In posts on X, the Prime Minister said the cultural presentation reflected the richness and diversity of Indian traditions and thanked the diaspora community for the warm welcome during his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour.
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Yesterday’s welcome by the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands was remarkable. The welcome included a dance performance covering Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam. It also included a Garba performance. pic.twitter.com/WCGJTgwD3z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
The Hague, Netherlands: After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Indian diaspora chant slogans like “Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi” and “Desh ka neta kaisa ho? Modi ji jaisa ho” pic.twitter.com/9fSFHysCnS
— IANS (@ians_india) May 15, 2026
Indian artists express bliss
The event venue in Amsterdam witnessed a festive atmosphere as artistes dressed in traditional attire performed before the Prime Minister, blending classical elegance with folk vibrancy. Devotional music and Ram bhajans added a spiritual dimension to the programme, while members of the diaspora waved Indian flags and greeted PM Modi with chants and applause.
Several performers called the opportunity to present Indian art forms before the Prime Minister a deeply emotional moment.
One artiste said performing a Ram bhajan in front of PM Modi felt “blissful” and recalled seeing “a twinkle in his eyes” during the presentation. Another performer said presenting India’s classical traditions in the Netherlands before the Prime Minister felt like “a blessed moment”.
The Hague, Netherlands: After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an artist says, “It was beautiful to be able to present our classical art forms here in the Netherlands in front of PM Modi. It truly feels like a blessed moment…” pic.twitter.com/Ry61aLaYy6
— IANS (@ians_india) May 15, 2026
Diaspora members call meeting PM Modi ‘a blessing’
Members of the Indian community who attended the event said the interaction with PM Modi was unforgettable and emotional.
A member of the diaspora said meeting the Prime Minister personally was among the “greatest honours” of their life and credited him with strengthening India’s global standing. Another attendee called PM Modi “not just an Indian leader but a world leader”, saying his leadership had helped project India as a stronger nation internationally.
The Hague, Netherlands: After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Indian diaspora sing a Bhojpuri song for PM Modi: “Ae Raja ji, ekre ta rahal ha zarurat, muhurat khubsurat ho” pic.twitter.com/IaqQ5IbaHM
— IANS (@ians_india) May 16, 2026
A member of the Muslim community in the diaspora also expressed happiness after interacting with the Prime Minister, saying it was a proud moment to meet him after growing up in India.
The gathering reflected the strong emotional connect many overseas Indians continue to maintain with their cultural roots and with developments back home.
Sharing some more glimpses from the welcome by the Indian community in the Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/Pbh47hZ7kX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2026
Strategic diplomacy alongside community outreach
PM Modi arrived in Amsterdam on Friday evening and was received at the airport by senior Dutch officials, including Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar, Adjutant-General and Chief of the Military Household of the King, Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Kumar Tuhin.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima during the visit.
In his remarks ahead of the meetings, PM Modi said the visit comes at a significant time in India-Netherlands relations, particularly as the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement discussions gather momentum. He said the two countries were looking to deepen cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors, water management, clean energy and advanced technology.
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