What's New
Embassy of India Seminar
The Embassy of India, The Hague, will be organizing a seminar titled "Leveraging India for Innovation and Partnership" on 22nd June, 2012, at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Promenade, The Hague, from 1300-1820 hours. The invitation to the event can be seen here.
Those interested in attending the event are requested to register through the reply card attached to the invitation. There are no costs for attending the event.
Notice
The Consular Department of the Embassy of India, The Hague, will be closed on 28th May, 2012. Please see here for list of other holidays on which the Embassy will remain closed.
OPEN HOUSE MEETING
In continuation of our initiative to render high quality Consular services, the Embassy of India will be organizing an Open House on a regular basis. The first Open House meeting will be held on Friday, 8 June 2012 at 1500 hours in the Embassy premises.
2. The objective of this Open House is to reach out to Indian nationals with a view to redressing grievances/problems, if any, relating to Consular matters.
3. Indian nationals based in the Netherlands are welcome to attend.
Ambassador of India to Netherlands, H.E. Ms Bhaswati Mukherjee, and State Finance Secretary, H.E. Mr F. H. H. Weekers, signed at Ministry of Finance, The Hague on 10th May, 2012 the Protocol amending the convention between Republic of India and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital with protocol which was signed in New Delhi on July 30, 1988. The Protocol would lead to better coordination and exchange of information between our two Governments and would further cement Indo-Dutch substantial bilateral relations.
Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, visited the Netherlands from 23rd - 25th April, 2012. During his visit, he had speaking engagements at the Geospatial Conference 2012 in Amsterdam, the Free University (VU), Amsterdam and the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade (NICCT). His speeches can be viewed at the link: http://www.abdulkalam.com/kalam/klm-index.jsp
2012 BRICS Summit
The 2012 BRICS summit, was held at New Delhi on 29th March, 2012. This was the fourth annual BRICS summit, an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or heads of government of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This is the first time that India has hosted a BRICS summit. The theme of the summit was "BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity". The summit witnessed a number of discussions among the attending state leaders on economic and political issues, including the global economy, terrorism and energy security.
The Delhi Declaration issued after the summit can be viewed by following this link.
Press Release
The Union Minister for Shipping, Government of India, H.E. Mr. G.K. Vasan visited the Netherlands from 1st – 3rd April, 2012, as the head of an official delegation from India.
On April 2nd, 2012, Hon’ble Minister also witnessed, in the presence of Ambassador of India HE Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee and a distinguished audience including representatives of local government, officers of Embassy of India and Media, the launching of the trailer suction hopper dredger DCI Dredge XIX designed by Dutch company IHC Merwerde, a leading company in the field of supplying dredgers. Mrs. Sunitha Vasan, wife of Mr. G. K. Vasan, Hon’ble Minister of Shipping performed the launching ceremony. DCI Dredge XIX is the first vessel from a series of three (including the DCI Dredge XX and DCI Dredge XXI). The vessel will be deployed for the maintenance and capital dredging project on the port and inland waterways in India. This event marks the further strengthening of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
During his visit to the Netherlands, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest, particularly in the sectors of Ports, Maritime Transport & Logistics. In February, 2008, during the visit of the former Dutch Minister Mr. Camiel Eurlings to India, India and Netherlands had signed a MoU for cooperation in the field of Ports, Maritime Transport & Logistics. The MoU has since been extended for another period of three years in 2011.
Vacancy Notice
Applications are invited for filling the vacant posts of 1) Receptionist-cum-clerk-cum- Librarian with substantial knowledge of book keeping and 2) Messenger-cum-Technical Staff.
Interested candidates may send their applications in English within 15 days enclosing brief CV, work experience certificate, references including from previous employers and contact phone numbers. They may apply to the Director, Gandhi Centre C/o Embassy of India, Buitenrustweg 2, 2517 KD, The Hague
Press Release
The traditional festival of colours, Holi was celebrated with joy at Gandhi Centre auditorium of Embassy of India, The Hague on March 8th , 2012. On this occasion, light and sound which were installed recently were put to effective use. Over 100 guest attended the celebration. Prominent guest consisted of H. E. Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Ambassadors & members of diplomatic corps, Indian and Surinami Hindustani guests were welcomed with traditional gulal (dry colour) tikka and a rose for Ladies in honour of International Women’s Day. Traditional holi snacks (gujia) and other assorted items suitable for the occasion were served to the guests. In her welcome speech Ambassador Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee explained origin and importance of the festival of Holi and also paid special tribute to women, in general and mother and girl child, in particular on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Holi folk and semi classical songs were recited by vocalist Ms. Kakoli Sengupta with percussionist Mr. Sandip Bhattacharya. A traditional Indian dance ‘Kathak’ and semi-classical holi related Bollywood dance were performed by Ms. Surili van Dijk. The Progamme concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. R. K. Singh, Counsellor and dance on beats of Dhol (traditional Indian drum).
We are happy to inform all that the Ministry of External Affairs in India, as part of its outreach efforts to reach a wider audience, has launched pages on the Social Media Platforms Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. These pages can be accessed by clicking on the link given to each of these. We welcome all visitors to visit these pages.
Notice
Please see here for list of holidays on which the Embassy of India, The Hague will remain closed.
PRESS RELEASE
Inauguration of Gandhi Centre in the Hague, The Netherlands on Gandhi Jayanti, 2nd October 2011
In a befitting tribute to the ideals and message of peace and non-violence propounded by Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhiji was honoured in the Netherlands in a special way through opening of an Indian Cultural Centre named “Gandhi Centre” in The Hague on the occasion of his birth anniversary on 2nd October 2011. Gandhi Centre was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Karan Singh, MP and President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in the presence of H.E. Mr. Jozias van Aartsen, Hon’ble Mayor of The Hague and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
2. The opening of the Centre fulfills the long standing aspirations of the 200,000 Indian and Surinami Hindustani community in the Netherlands as well as the Indian Embassy and Government of India.
3. A solemn inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished audience of over 300 persons including Ambassadors and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, the Grand Master of the Queen’s Household, Members of the Dutch Parliament, leaders of the Surinamese Hindustani Community, media, intellectuals and artists. The programme began with the rendition of the Indian and Dutch National Anthems followed by a brief introduction by Ambassador Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee recalling the significance of the fulfillment of a 40 year old dream. In his inaugural address, Dr. Karan Singh referred to the significance and relevance of Gandhiji in today’s world and expressed the hope that the Centre would flourish and meet the aspirations of the Indo-Dutch community. Dr. Singh underlined the importance of Cultural Centres as effective instruments for fostering cultural relations and people to people contacts. Mayor van Aartsen, in his address referred to the rich tradition of Indo-Dutch cultural interactions going back to four centuries and welcomed the establishment of Gandhi Centre in The Hague. He saw the Centre symbolizing the East meeting the West, while quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s message of “I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.” He assured fullest cooperation of The Hague Municipality to the Gandhi Centre.
4. The cultural programme began with the traditional prayer "Ganesh Vandana", followed by Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Bhajans and Patriotic songs sung by local artistes; dramatic rendering of an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's poem based on an episode in Mahabharata and concluding with a Lecture cum Musical Intermezzi on “Tagore in Netherlands” by the distinguished Dutch Musicologist and Composer Professor Rokus de Groot. Tribute was also paid to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore whose 150th Anniversary is being commemorated through the presentation of a portrait to the Centre by eminent painter and sculptor Dr. Manas Roy.
5. The Gandhi Centre is the 36th Centre established by ICCR worldwide. The Centre, located in the historic and beautiful area of Scheveningen in The Hague, would act as an important platform for developing and maintaining contacts with Dutch friends including students, teachers, academicians, cultural personalities and artists to project the rich and diverse cultures of India and the Netherlands.
6. A library containing substantial collections of Indian films, documentaries and other multi-media material related to India and Indo-Dutch heritage will be a part of the Centre. The Centre would organise regular lectures, panel discussions, seminars, and performing arts on subjects of contemporary and cultural interest, aimed primarily at promoting Indo-Dutch relations. Another important element of the Centre’s activities would be teaching of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, Art, Indian languages, etc. The Centre would also offer scholarships to Dutch students to learn Indian Music, Languages and performing Arts and also sponsor visits of experts from both sides and support other cultural exchanges.
7. Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated throughout the Netherlands on 2nd October by the Indian and Surinamese Hindustani community. Dr. Karan Singh attended a function organised at the Public Library in Hobbemaplein in The Hague. He offered floral tributes at the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the presence of H.E. Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh, Deputy Mayor of Hague and spoke of the enduring relevance of Gandhiji’s message. He also inaugurated an Exhibition of Photographs of Mahatma Gandhi in The Hague Library organised by The Hague Municipality.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The existing contract between the Embassy of India, The Hague on arrangements of outsourcing of Visa/OCI Card/PIO Card/Passport services with the current Service Provider, M/s VFS Global will expire on 7th October 2011. The Embassy of India, The Hague, Netherlands is looking for an agency to outsource its Visa/OCI Card/PIO Card/Passport services.
3. The Invitation for bids in connection with above can be seen at this link.
4. The Request for Proposal in connection with above can be seen at this link.
The "India is ...... " Global Video Contest
Prime Minister's Independence Day Speech 2011
Official visit of Foreign Minister of Netherlands to India
July 05, 2011
At the invitation of External Affairs Minister (EAM), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands, Prof. Dr. Uri Rosenthal, is on an official visit to India from 4th to 6th July 2011.
A founding member of EU and NATO, Netherlands is one of the most developed countries and the 16th largest economy globally. The Hague has arguably come to be regarded as the legal capital of the world. With over Euro 5 billion in bilateral trade which is in India’s favour, Netherlands is among India’s key economic partners. People of Indian origin comprise more than 1% of the country’s population.
EAM had extensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues with his Dutch counterpart. It was noted that both countries shared a number of common interests and values. Prof. Dr. Rosenthal hailed India as the oldest democracy of Asia. The sides agreed to redouble efforts to enhance trade and economic ties. Prof. Dr. Rosenthal welcomed the decision of SBI to open a branch in Netherlands. EAM conveyed that India would be setting up an Indian Cultural Centre in Netherlands in the near future.
Prof. Dr. Rosenthal expressed Netherlands’ support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council, besides also endorsing efforts of G4 towards the said objective.
The Ministers exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, West Asia and North African region, global financial architecture as well as UN reforms. Prof. Dr. Rosenthal invited EAM to pay an official visit to Netherlands at a mutually convenient early date which was accepted with pleasure.
New Delhi
July 5, 2011
Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements between India and other countries
Prime Minister's address at the Plenary Session of the 2nd Africa-India Forum Summit
Programme for the 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
OHM TV: Influence of Rabindranath Tagore on the World Part 1
OHM TV: Influence of Rabindranath Tagore on the Modern World Part 2
Video on unveiling of Tagore's bust at Public Library in The Hague
Rabindranath Tagore by Satyajit Ray
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHANGE IN VISA PROCEDURE
Dear Friends of India in the Netherlands
You would be happy to note that the Embassy of India in the Netherlands is among the few Indian Embassies in the world which has been chosen for implementation of on-line visa applications. The procedure will take effect from 23rd May, 2011. The Embassy will no longer accept handwritten/hand typed visa applications from 23rd May, 2011, onwards.
All applicants are requested to kindly apply only through on-line procedure for all types of visa requirements. Click here to apply.
Embassy of India
The Hague
The Embassy of India is pleased to announce the introduction of The Indian Fast Track Business Visa Scheme. The aim of this scheme is to facilitate quicker processing of business visas for Dutch Companies whose officials need to travel frequently to India for business purposes. To start with, the following companies, have been included in the scheme. Other companies who wish to avail of this facility may kindly indicate the name of the authorized representative with whom we can communicate to expedite the visa. You may like to contact us at the following email IDs: [email protected]; [email protected] or
[email protected]
Ambassador's letter on the Indian Fast Track Business Visa Scheme
Ministerial Conference of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in New Delhi
Speeches by Ambassador of India
Speech at Netherlands India Business Meet, 16th September, 2010
Speech at Industrieele Grote Club, India Desk Meeting, 12th October, 2010
Speech at India Diwali Festival, 30th October, 2010
Statement by India at the Fifteenth Session of the Conference of the States Parties Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons: November 29 – December 3, 2010
Opening Remarks at Miss India Holland Pageant: 5th December, 2010
Keynote Statement at Seminar "Maximizing the Demographic Dividend for India" - 19th December, 2010
Speech at the function for Inauguration of Outsourcing of Consular Services on 24th February,2011
Speech at the Inauguration of Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Netherlands India Association (NIA), 27th March, 2011
Speech at the Seminar on Investment & Technology: Cooperation in Water Sector in India, 28th March, 2011.
Lecture at Societeit de Witte, The Hague, on 4th April, 2011
Inaugural of Exhibition of Lamps “ILLUMINATE”, on 10th April, The Hague
Keynote Address at Indo-Dutch Water Expert Meeting, 19th April, 2011
Speech on the occasion of unveiling of the Bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on 6th May 2011 at Public Library of The Hague
Speech to the Netherlands on Commemorative events for 150th Anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on 8th May 2011 at Dr. Anton Philips Hall in The Hague
Speech on the occasion of unveiling of the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on 9th May 2011 at Leiden University
Speech on the occasion of staging of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s Play “Rakta Karabi” on 14 May 2011 at Compagnietheater, Amsterdam
National Statement by Ambassador Bhaswati Mukherjee at the 14th International Demilitarisation Conference held at Interlaken, Switzerland, from 23rd - 26th May, 2011.
Address at the Round Table Meeting on Strengthening the Netherlands India Business and Economic Relations, 1st June, 2011, at ING House, Amsterdam
Address at the Reception by the Netherlands-India Association at the Town Hall, Wassenaar after Friendly Cricket Match between Ambassador of India Eleven vs. The Mayor of Wassenaar Eleven on 25th June 2011
Ambassador's Message on the occasion of Milan Festival 2011
Inaugural Speech at the “Soul of India- World Cinema Amsterdam” event, 12th August 2011
Address at the India Network Cocktail and Finals of Cricket Tournament for Indian Companies, organized by “Amsterdam inbusiness” (AIB) at Amsterdam on 3rd September 2011
Speech at the Seminar: ‘Save on Cost, Invest in Quality’ at ‘De Kamers’, Amersfoort on 13th September 2011
Speech at the Opening Ceremony of “Open Art Fair”, on 15th September, 2011, at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht
Speech at the Indian Diaspora Conference (IDC) on 25th September 2011 at The World Forum in The Hague
Welcome introduction by Ambassador at the inauguration of Gandhi Centre on 2nd October, 2011
Durga Puja Speech on 3rd October 2011
Address at the Book presentation on India Heritiage Day at National Archives in the Hague on 21st October 2011
Address at the India Business Network Cocktail, India Festival, Diwali in Amstelveen on 22nd October 2011
Address at the concert of Anuradha Paudwal on 27th October 2011
Welcome remarks at the Seminar on Indo-Dutch Cooperation in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sector, The Hague, on 1st November, 2011
Speech at the Annual Indian Business Chamber Gala Dinner on 4th November, 2011
Speech at the Symposium “Partnerships, Business and Perceptions: Indo-Europe Relations as seen from the Netherlands” on 10th November, 2011
Speech at the Launch of the Book-“Netherlands-India Association at 60: A Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Volume” on 8 Dec 2011
Opening remarks at the Inauguration of “Tagore in Kantha” Exhibition at The Hague, 27th January 2012
Speech at the NICCT New Year Reception at The Hague on the theme - “Strengthening Business and Economic Relations between India & the Netherlands” on 30 January 2012
Speech at the opening of the Holland Flowers Festival on 21st February, 2012
Speech at the Holi Milan on 8th March at the Gandhi Centre, The Hague
Presentations by Speakers at the Seminar on Investment & Technology: Cooperation in Water Sector in India, 28th March, 2011
Speech by Ambassador of India, H.E. Ms. Bhaswati Mukherjee, at the Seminar on Investment & Technology: Cooperation in Water Sector in India, 28th March, 2011.
Presentation by H.E. Ms. Renee Bergkamp, Director General for Enterprise & Innovation, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation of the Netherlands
Presentation by Prof. M.S. Mohan Kumar, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Presentation by Mr. S. Raghupathy, Senior Director and Head of CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, Confederation of Indian Industry, Hyderabad.
Presentation by Mr. R. Jambagi, Managing Director, Indus Technologies BV, Oegstgeest.
Presentation by Dr. Vic Prins, Director, DHV Group, Amersfoort.
Presentation by Prof. Dr. Ing. S. Schaap, Chairman, Netherlands Water Partnership, The Hague.
Presentation by Mr. J. Swinkels, Director, Twin Oxide International BV, Best.
Know India Programme
Associations of NRIs & PIOs in the Netherlands
ICCR Scholarships 2012- 2013
India-EU Trade
Doing Business in India
Symbol of Indian Rupee
Indian Public Diplomacy
Follow Indian Public Diplomacy on Facebook
Documentaries related to various subjects
Establishment of India Chair at Leiden University
Newsletter
Press Releases of Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)
Latest Issue of 'India Perspectives'
List of Trade Fairs to be held in India
Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC)
Tracing the Roots Programme for Persons of Indian Origin
