Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a community event in The Hague, Netherlands, felt like attending a festival in India [1].
The remark underscores the strategic importance of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands. By framing the reception as a domestic celebration, Modi emphasizes the cultural and emotional bridge that overseas citizens provide for Indian diplomatic efforts.
During the event, Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora to celebrate the relationship between the two nations [1, 2]. He said that the energy of the crowd momentarily blurred the geographical distance between the Netherlands and his home country.
"Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only," Modi said [1].
The prime minister used the occasion to highlight the strength of Indo-Dutch friendship [2]. The event served as a platform to engage with citizens living abroad, and to acknowledge their role in promoting Indian values and interests globally.
Modi said that the atmosphere was reminiscent of a traditional celebration, stating, "It felt like a festival in India" [2].
“It felt like a festival in India.”
This interaction reflects India's broader diplomatic strategy of leveraging its global diaspora to build soft power and strengthen economic and political partnerships. By focusing on the emotional connection of the diaspora, the Indian government fosters a supportive environment for bilateral agreements and cultural exchange with European partners like the Netherlands.
