Netherlands Returns 1,000-Year-Old Chola-Era Copper Plates To India

By Deepak Arora

THE HAGUE, May 16: In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten, the Leiden University Library today restituted the 11th century Chola Copper Plates to India.

​Chola Copper Plates, a set of 21 large plates and 3 small plates, are royal charters issued by Chola Kings during the 11th century CE. These charters formalise gifting of Anaimangalam village to a Buddha vihara called Chulamanivarma-vihara in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. The Plates contain texts written in Tamil and Sanskrit.

​The restitution of these Chola copper plates assumes significance since they are not merely artefacts of the past, but an invaluable story of India’s heritage and civilization. The home-coming of these plates has a deep emotional appeal for the people of India.

Modi Calls on King, Queen of Netherlands

By Deepak Arora

THE HAGUE, May 16: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid a call on Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at Palace Huis ten Bosch, The Hague

The ​Prime Minister and Their Majesties exchanged views on strengthening the India-Netherlands relationship, including through deepening of people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister also recalled with appreciation the State Visit of Their Majesties to India in 2019, which had played an important role in fostering mutual goodwill and imparting fresh momentum to the bilateral relationship. The leaders expressed satisfaction on the ongoing bilateral initiatives in the fields of education, innovation, semi-conductor, digital, water and green partnerships.

Modi conveyed appreciation for Their Majesties’ goodwill towards India and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit. Their Majesties hosted a lunch in honour of Prime Minister.

Modi praises Indian diaspora for contributions to Dutch society

By Deepak Arora

THE HAGUE, May 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contributions to the Dutch society and for serving as a living bridge of friendship between India and the Netherlands.

Addressing the Indian community reception here, Modi recalled the deep and enduring historical ties of the Surinami-Hindustani community with India, and commended their efforts to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage across generations.

Modi was accorded a warm and spirited welcome by a large gathering of the Indian diaspora and friends of India in the Netherlands.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the large number of Indian professionals in the technology sector and the growing number of Indian students in Dutch universities, particularly in innovation-driven fields, were adding strength to contemporary partnership between the two countries.

He further noted that sports linkages, in particular Cricket and Hockey, were contributing to new vibrancy to the close people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Modi underlined that bilateral cooperation with the Netherlands was steadily expanding, with technology and innovation emerging as key focus areas. He underscored the robust and growing trade and economic relationship between the two countries, noting that the Netherlands is among India's largest export destinations in Europe and one of its foremost investment partners.

He added that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would further unlock new opportunities for both sides.

The Prime Minister highlighted the growth and progress happening in India with the objective to become a developed country - Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted the scale and pace of the ongoing transformation in India through wide-ranging advancements across infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and digital systems. He emphasized that India was confidently shaping its own future, while contributing to global growth and prosperity.

The Prime Minister assured the community that the Government of India stood firmly behind every Indian living abroad and remained committed to their welfare. He called upon them to actively contribute to the Viksit Bharat journey by leveraging their experience in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is home to the largest number of Indian origin people in mainland Europe, including around 200,000 members of the Surinami-Hindustani community. In this regard, he highlighted the liberalisation in OCI eligibility for the Surinami-Hindustani diaspora from 4th generation to 6th generation.