Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at a community event in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 16, 2026.
The gathering underscores India's strategy to leverage its global diaspora to strengthen bilateral relations and acknowledge the influence of Indian citizens within Dutch society.
Hundreds of diaspora members [1] gathered for the event, where the Prime Minister was greeted with loud cheers. Modi said, "It felt like a festival in India."
The event served as a platform to engage with the community and highlight the cultural ties that link India to the Netherlands. While the gathering focused on the broader Indian diaspora, reports indicated that the Surinamese-Hindustani community played a prominent role during the proceedings.
During his speech, Modi spoke about the drive and ambition characterizing the current era of Indian development. He said, "Aspirations in India are unlimited, so efforts are also becoming limitless."
The Prime Minister used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions that the diaspora has made to the Netherlands. The event focused on the role of the community as a bridge between the two nations, emphasizing shared values and economic cooperation.
“"It felt like a festival in India."”
This engagement reflects a broader diplomatic effort by the Indian government to maintain strong emotional and political bonds with its overseas citizens. By specifically acknowledging groups like the Surinamese-Hindustani community, India expands its cultural diplomacy beyond traditional borders to include the wider Hindustani diaspora, reinforcing its image as a global leader of a diverse and influential worldwide community.
