Four decades ago, an Indian family placed two young children, Minal, then 4, and Meena, then 3, into an orphanage.

Two separate families in the Netherlands later adopted the girls and brought them to their new home. Growing up 160 km apart, Minal and Meena had no information about their biological origins.

In 1996, the two teenagers met at an event for adoptees. Despite many people commenting on their similar appearance, they only exchanged addresses and stayed in touch for a while. They then lost contact for 15 years due to changes in residence and work.

Sisters Meena Geltink (left) and Minal Tijssen (right) with a photo taken together in 1996, during their reunion in the Netherlands on 11/8. *Photo: Reuters*

Driven by a desire to find her roots, Ms. Minal, now 44 years old and living in France, decided to take a DNA test through the MyHeritage platform.

In April, the system notified her of a complete gene match with a woman named Meena, 43 years old, living in the Netherlands. When checking social media to compare old photos, Ms. Minal realized this was the same friend she had known 30 years prior.

"I couldn't believe I had been friends with my biological sister years ago. We missed out on so much," Ms. Minal said.

On 11/8, the sisters reunited in the Netherlands and took their first family photo together. They share common hobbies: exercising, singing, and dancing. The two sisters now schedule daily phone calls.

"The moment I saw Minal, I knew I had found my family," Ms. Meena stated.

Minh Phuong (According to NyPost, NDTV)