Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at a community reception in The Hague, Netherlands, on Saturday [1].
The visit underscores India's effort to deepen strategic cooperation with the Netherlands in trade and innovation while leveraging the influence of its global diaspora.
Hundreds of members of the Indian community gathered for the event [2]. The stop in the Netherlands served as the second leg of a five-nation tour [3]. During his speech, Modi focused on the development trajectory of India since 2014 and the nation's expanding role in the global economy.
"The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship," Modi said [4].
The Prime Minister detailed the internal shifts occurring within India, specifically regarding digital infrastructure and governance. He said that India is undergoing a rapid technological transformation and that its democratic resilience is stronger than ever [5].
Modi also emphasized the importance of bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands. He said that shared values and cooperation will drive greater trade and innovation between the two nations [6]. This focus on innovation aligns with India's broader goal of positioning itself as a global tech hub.
The event was marked by cheers from the attendees as the Prime Minister spoke about the cultural ties that bind the diaspora to their home country. He said the Indian community in the Netherlands contributes to the mutual understanding and friendship between the two states [1].
By engaging with the diaspora, the Indian government seeks to project its image as a rising democratic power. The Prime Minister used the platform to showcase India's diverse culture and its current path toward economic modernization [7].
“"The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship."”
This address is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to utilize the Indian diaspora as a bridge for economic and political influence in Europe. By emphasizing 'democratic resilience' and 'technological transformation' in The Hague—a city known for international law and justice—India is signaling its commitment to global norms while asserting its status as a leading digital economy.
