Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora in The Hague, Netherlands, urging the community to "dream big" [1].
The visit underscores India's efforts to leverage its global diaspora to strengthen cultural ties and economic influence within European societies. By engaging with overseas citizens, the administration seeks to align the success of Indians abroad with the national ambitions of the home country.
During the event, Modi said India's cultural strength and the specific contributions that the Indian community has made to Dutch society are significant [1, 2]. He spoke about the role of the diaspora in acting as a bridge between the two nations, emphasizing that their achievements reflect the growth and potential of India on the world stage.
Reports indicated that the atmosphere of the gathering was celebratory, with some descriptions noting it felt like a festival in India [2]. The Prime Minister used the platform to promote a message of ambition, suggesting that the aspirations of the diaspora are integral to India's broader goals.
Modi said that India wants to dream big and encouraged the community to maintain their cultural roots while continuing to excel in their professional lives in the Netherlands [1]. The address focused on the symbiotic relationship between the Indian state and its citizens living abroad, framing the diaspora not just as emigrants, but as global ambassadors of Indian values, and innovation.
“India wants to dream big”
This engagement is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to mobilize the 'soft power' of the Indian diaspora. By framing the success of Indians in the Netherlands as a victory for the Indian state, the government strengthens its geopolitical leverage and encourages remittance and investment flows from high-income European nations.
