- Before coming home on Wednesday, Modi was gifted a bicycle by Dutch PM Mark Rutte
- Modi concluded his 3-nation tour after meeting the Dutch PM and addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague
- His talks with the Dutch PM touched upon various topics, including terrorism, India’s entry into the NSG, renewable energy, etc
- Modi called the Netherlands India’s “natural partner” in its economic development
- Modi started his address to the Indian diaspora with “Kaa Haal Baa (how are you?)”
- In his address, he highlighted various achievements of his government, while taking digs at previous governments
Dutch PM Gifts Modi a Bicycle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a bicycle by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during the former's day-long visit to The Netherlands on Tuesday, reported ANI. Following his meeting with PM Rutte, Modi thanked the former for the gift in a tweet:
Cycling is the usual mode of conveyance in the Netherlands, and its prime minister too is usually seen cycling to work.
PM Discusses Terrorism, India’s NSG Entry
Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully concluded his three-nation tour of Portugal, the US and the Netherlands after holding talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague on Wednesday.
Several topics, including tackling tackling terrorism, India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, renewable energy and the Paris climate agreement, were touched upon during the course of interactions between the two PMs. The two countries also signed three MoUs in the fields of social security, water cooperation and cultural cooperation.
Modi called the Netherlands India’s “natural partner” in its economic development.
Starting his address to Indian diaspora community at The Hague with “Kaa Haal Baa (how are you)?”, Modi went on to highlight the various achievements of his government, while also taking digs at previous governments.
PM Modi Leaves For Home After Concluding Three-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for home on Tuesday after concluding his three-nation tour of Portugal, the US and the Netherlands.
"After a series of programmes in three nations – Portugal, USA and the Netherlands – PM @narendramodi emplanes for Delhi," the Prime Minister's office tweeted.
Modi Starts His Address to Indian Diaspora With “Kaa Haal Baa”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on the last leg of his three-nation tour, addressed the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Starting his address with “Kaa Haal Baa (how are you?)”, Modi said that it’s extremely important to stay connected to one’s own roots.
Notably, the country has the second-highest population of people of Indian-origin after UK.
At the event, Modi said that India would soon be taking a decision on granting five-year business and tourist visa to Dutch passport holders
In his hour-long speech, Modi mostly focused on his government's efforts aimed at women's empowerment.
He highlighted the diversity existing in India and said it was the country's “speciality” , which puzzled people in other parts of the world.
India is a federal country in true spirit.Narendra Modi
The PM said his government's thrust has been on jan bhagidari (people's involvement) in governance as he believed that the country's progress cannot be ensured only through the government's work.
In this context, he referred to the construction of toilets under the Swacch Bharat campaign.
He mentioned about various initiatives taken by his government in sectors like banking, energy and digitisation, and talked about progress being made in areas like space, healthcare and sanitation.
“The 21st century India should not lag in global standards in infrastructure and other areas,” the Prime Minister told the gathering of about 3000 in Hindi amid repeated chants of ‘Modi Modi’.
The Prime Minister said India not only needs progress, but also modernisation in all areas.
He also took digs at the previous governments when outlining the work by the current government in the areas of energy and electrification of villages.
Modi Calls Netherlands India’s “Natural Partner”
Describing the Netherlands as India's “natural partner” in its economic development, Modi on Tuesday also said bilateral ties with the country's major trading partner will grow rapidly.
After the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, the two countries signed three MoUs in the fields of social security, water cooperation and cultural cooperation.
Modi, Rutte Talk About Terrorism and India’s NSG Bid
During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to climate change accord and strengthen cooperation in developing renewable energy. The two countries also strongly condemned the use of double standards in addressing the menace of terrorism, saying there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.
Expressing concern about the serious and grave threat posed by the spread of terrorism and violent extremism to both the countries and the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism and prevent radicalisation that could lead to violent extremism.
The Netherlands also backed India's early entry into the NSG and other multilateral export control regimes and supported the country's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
The Netherlands' support came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.
Dutch PM Praises India's Commitment to Renewable Energy
In the joint address, Dutch Prime Minister Rutte commended India for its commitment to renewable energy and to the Paris climate agreement. He praised Modi for announcing major sustainable initiatives like 'Clean India' and 'Make in India'.
"The Netherlands is a key partner to help India achieve its goals," he said.
He said Europe is India's biggest trading partner and 20 percent of India's export to Europe enters through the Netherlands. "So, for India, we are an entry (point) to Europe," he added.
During his day-long visit, Modi was also expected to call on King Willem-Alexander and meet Queen Maxima.
This year, the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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