Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that being in The Hague felt like being in India during an address to the local diaspora on Saturday [2].
The event highlights the role of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Netherlands through cultural and social contributions.
Modi's appearance in the city was part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from May 15 to May 20, 2026 [1]. During the event, the Prime Minister described the atmosphere as vibrant and celebratory. "It felt like a festival in India," Modi said [3].
He noted the diverse regional representation among the attendees in the Netherlands. "I could feel the spirit of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh here in The Hague," Modi said [4].
Beyond the cultural celebrations, the visit served as a diplomatic tool to bridge relations between the two nations. Modi used symbolic imagery to describe the partnership between the two countries. "The tulip and the lotus symbolize our shared beauty and strength," Modi said [5].
The Prime Minister used the occasion to praise the Indian diaspora for their contributions to Dutch society. He said that the community serves as a vital link in enhancing the diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two regions.
“"It felt like a festival in India."”
This engagement reflects India's strategic use of 'diaspora diplomacy' to foster soft power and strengthen economic ties. By framing the Indian community in the Netherlands as a cultural bridge, the administration aims to leverage these populations to secure deeper bilateral cooperation and investment from European partners.
