PM Foreign Tour Highlights: PM Modi says India-Netherlands ties set for new boost amid India-EU trade pact

PM Narendra Modi, after landing in Amsterdam, said in a social media post that his visit to the Netherlands comes at a crucial time when the India-EU free trade agreement has boosted trade and investment ties. He said the visit would help strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as semiconductors, water management and clean energy. PM Modi added that he would hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and also address the Indian community during an event on the morning of May 16.
 

MA Yusuff Ali, LuLu Group Chairman & MD, said ties between India and the United Arab Emirates have grown stronger under the leadership of Narendra Modi and the UAE President.

Speaking during PM Modi’s visit to the UAE, Yusuff Ali said the Gulf nation had faced an “unfortunate crisis” over the last two months, following which the UAE President directed him to ensure there was no shortage of food products. He said he personally met Modi and sought assistance on food security issues, thanking the Prime Minister for his support.

Calling the visit a “proud moment” for Indians living in the GCC region, Yusuff Ali said the India-UAE relationship continues to strengthen across sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he held "excellent discussions" with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which he reiterated India's strong condemnation of the attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates.

In a post on X, Modi referred to the UAE President as “my brother” and said he conveyed appreciation for Sheikh Mohamed's "leadership, courage, and wisdom," which, he said, had been evident during the ongoing period of regional tensions. The Prime Minister also thanked the UAE leadership for the care and attention extended to the Indian community living in the Gulf nation.

During the meeting between Modi and UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a tripartite MoU has been signed between Cochin Shipyard Limited, Drydocks World and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding to strengthen skill development in ship repair.

The agreement aims to create a framework for mobilising, training and employing a skilled maritime workforce, while enhancing the capabilities of Indian workers and positioning India as a hub for shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.

PM Narendra Modi, in a statement, mentioned that UAE government has announced investments worth USD 5 billion in India. He tweeted, "This UAE visit also saw the conclusion of key agreements across vital areas such as energy, defence, infrastructure, shipping and advanced technology, giving fresh impetus to the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

He hopes this will further deepen the economic ties between the countries.

UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Air India One as it entered the country's airspace on Friday.  What was the reason?

Read our report here 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Abu Dhabi for a short visit, underlined the deepening strategic ties between India and the United Arab Emirates, saying the friendship between the two nations remains “very strong”. In a post on X, he reaffirmed the commitment to work together for “a better future for our planet”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday delivered significant strategic and economic gains for India, with the two countries unveiling a series of defence, energy and infrastructure agreements alongside investment commitments worth billions of dollars. 

Read our full report here

"Today, the impact of the war-like situation in the West Asia region is visible across the world. India has always given priority to dialogue and diplomacy for resolving problems. Our biggest priority is to keep the region free, open and safe. In this effort, adherence to international laws is essential," PM Modi said. 

He added,"India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE in every situation and will continue to do so in the future."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to the Emirates for ensuring the safety and well-being of Indians in the country during the West Asia war. 

"During these difficult times, you have shown concern for the Indian community living in the UAE and have taken care of them. The way you have looked after them as members of your own family, the Government of India and your Royal Family deserve heartfelt gratitude," he said. 

Prime Minister Modi said, "We strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE and denounce the way the UAE has been targeted. This is unacceptable in any form. In these difficult circumstances, the restraint and maturity you have shown are highly commendable. We appreciate the steps taken under your leadership to maintain national unity, security and territorial integrity."

 Here are the major agreements and investment decisions announced today:

Agreement on Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership between India and UAE.

MoU on Strategic Petroleum Reserves.

Agreement on supplies of Liquified Petroleum gas (LPG).

MoU on setting up Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar.

Investment worth 5 billion US dollars was announced in Indian Infrastructure, RBL Bank and Samman Capital.

India and the UAE exchanged MoUs in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, PM Narendra Modi said, "I express heartfelt gratitude to you for the warm welcome. Just like you said, I have come to my second home. This sentiment is a huge capital of my life. Your Air Force jets escorted me today. This is an honour to the people of India."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the targeting of the UAE in the ongoing conflict during his address in Abu Dhabi.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold talks with the UAE President  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with discussions set to focus on the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia.

Energy security is likely to be a central theme of the discussions, as India monitors rising instability in the Gulf region amid concerns over oil supplies and maritime trade routes.

UAE's F16 jets escorted Prime Minister Modi's plane as it entered the country's airspace. 

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Abu Dhabi.