Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech to the Indian diaspora in The Hague, Netherlands, on May 16, 2024 [1].
The address served as a strategic effort to inspire the Indian community living abroad while positioning India as a key player in solving international instability. By engaging the diaspora, the Prime Minister sought to strengthen cultural and political ties within the European region.
The visit to the Netherlands was part of a broader diplomatic effort, forming one leg of a five-country tour [2]. During the event, Modi said global cooperation is necessary to manage a series of intersecting international threats. He specifically addressed the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastation of war, and the volatility of global energy crises [3].
These themes underlined a broader message of resilience and leadership. The Prime Minister used the platform to encourage the diaspora to remain connected to their heritage, and to contribute to the growth of India from abroad. The gathering in The Hague provided a venue for the leader to articulate India's perspective on stability and peace in an era of geopolitical tension.
Local responses to the visit included praise from the sporting community. Marijne, a coach for the women's hockey team, said the encouragement provided by Modi was inspiring [1]. This interaction highlighted the Prime Minister's attempt to connect with various sectors of society beyond formal diplomatic circles during his time in the Netherlands.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech to the Indian diaspora in The Hague”
This visit underscores India's strategy of leveraging its global diaspora to project soft power and diplomatic influence. By addressing systemic issues like energy crises and war in a European hub, the Indian government is signaling its intent to be a primary mediator and stabilizer in global affairs, moving beyond regional leadership to a more assertive global role.
