Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the Indian diaspora in The Hague on Saturday, May 16, 2026 [1].
The event highlights India's strategy to leverage its global citizen network to strengthen diplomatic ties and cultural influence within Europe. By engaging the diaspora, the administration seeks to solidify people-to-people connections alongside formal state agreements.
Modi arrived in Amsterdam before traveling to The Hague, where he was met with a large gathering of Indian nationals [1, 3]. The welcome included a series of cultural performances, including Kathak and Garba, as well as the chanting of Ram bhajans [2]. Supporters greeted the Prime Minister with tricolor flags and rhythmic chants of "Modi, Modi" [1].
The interaction followed a sequence of classical and cultural performances designed to showcase Indian heritage to the local community [3]. These events are part of a broader five-nation [1] diplomatic tour aimed at enhancing India's global partnerships.
Throughout the visit, the Prime Minister focused on the role of the diaspora in bridging the gap between India and the Netherlands. The celebration combined traditional arts with political outreach, an approach frequently used by the administration during international visits to maintain domestic support and project soft power abroad.
Local organizers coordinated the event to ensure a high-visibility reception for the leader. The presence of traditional music and dance served as a centerpiece for the interaction, marking the cultural dimensions of the diplomatic mission [2, 3].
“Modi is on a five-nation diplomatic tour”
This visit underscores India's 'diaspora diplomacy,' where the government utilizes the Indian community abroad to act as cultural ambassadors and political lobbyists. By integrating high-energy cultural displays with diplomatic tours, India reinforces its identity as a global civilization while strengthening bilateral relations with European partners like the Netherlands.
