WATCH | Netherlands PM Relishes Masala Chai in Bengaluru, Pays Via UPI

Bengaluru: Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte recently visited India to participate in the G20 Summit held in Delhi. During his stay, he had the opportunity to savour the popular Indian beverage, masala chai, in Bengaluru. Additionally, he engaged in crucial discussions with senior Karnataka cabinet ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Mijn bezoek aan India in een notendop.

🇳🇱🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/giqiix2uQP

— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) September 11, 2023

Rutte enthusiastically shared his Indian experience on social media, posting pictures on X (formerly Twitter). He explored the charming cobblestone-paved Church Street in Bengaluru, interacted with the local crowd, and even took selfies with admirers. To further embrace the local culture, he enjoyed a cup of masala tea from “Chai Point,” a renowned cafe chain, making his payment through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Expressing his thoughts, Rutte commented, “UPI appears remarkably straightforward and user-friendly. Experiencing it was quite fascinating.” Notably, the Indian government had introduced UPI to the G20 delegates as a noteworthy digital payment solution.

He emphasized the significance of his visit to Bangalore, situated in southern India, stating, “It’s truly remarkable to witness the collaboration between the Netherlands and India across various domains.”

Adding another noteworthy highlight, Rutte mentioned his meeting with Bangalore’s Bicycle Mayor, Sathya Sankaran (@bicyclemayorblr), a role close to his heart. During their discussion, they explored Sankaran’s sustainable vision for the city, emphasizing the need for increased cycling infrastructure and public transportation options.