Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the atmosphere at a community event in The Hague felt like a festival in India [1].

The visit underscores India's strategy to leverage its global diaspora to strengthen bilateral ties and cultural diplomacy with European nations. By engaging with various wings of the overseas community, the Prime Minister aims to solidify India's soft power and diplomatic reach within the Netherlands [1, 2].

Modi addressed a crowd on Monday, where he said the Indian community in the region is vibrant [1]. He specifically noted the role of the Surinamese-Hindustani community, saying that their story is extraordinary and little-discussed in Europe [2].

“It feels like a festival in India,” Modi said [1].

During the event, the Prime Minister said the diaspora serves as a bridge between the two nations. He credited the community for showcasing Indian values and culture on a global stage [1, 2].

Local perspectives echoed these sentiments. One Dutch leader, as quoted in reports, said that leaders in the Netherlands often praise the Indian community and call its contribution to Dutch society a matter of pride for India [2].

The event focused on showcasing cultural ties and strengthening India-Netherlands relations through people-to-people connectivity [1, 2]. Modi said that the Surinamese-Hindustani community steals the spotlight during such gatherings due to their unique historical journey [2].

“"It feels like a festival in India."”

This engagement reflects a broader Indian foreign policy objective to mobilize the 'Global South' and diaspora networks to increase geopolitical influence. By specifically highlighting the Surinamese-Hindustani community, Modi is acknowledging a complex migration history that links South Asia, South America, and Europe, thereby broadening the definition of the Indian diaspora to include those with ancestral ties beyond the modern borders of the Indian state.