Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands on May 16, 2026, highlighting the growing India-Netherlands partnership and praising the contribution of the Indian diaspora to Dutch society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a grand Indian community reception in The Hague during his official visit to the Netherlands on May 16, 2026.
The Prime Minister received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India gathered at the event. Addressing the community, Shri Modi thanked them for the enthusiastic and colourful reception and praised their contribution to Dutch society.
Prime Minister Modi described the Indian diaspora as a living bridge of friendship between India and the Netherlands. He also acknowledged the deep historical and cultural connection of the Surinami-Hindustani community with India and appreciated their efforts in preserving Indian traditions and heritage across generations.
The Prime Minister highlighted the increasing role of Indian professionals and students in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He noted that a large number of Indian professionals working in the technology sector and Indian students studying innovation-driven subjects in Dutch universities are contributing to the growing partnership.
He also mentioned that sports ties, especially Cricket and Hockey, are adding new energy to the people-to-people relationship between India and the Netherlands.
During his address, Shri Modi said bilateral cooperation between the two nations is steadily expanding, with technology and innovation emerging as key focus areas. He underlined the strong trade and economic partnership, noting that the Netherlands is one of India’s largest export destinations in Europe and among its leading investment partners.
The Prime Minister said the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement would create new opportunities for both sides and further strengthen economic ties.
Speaking about India’s development journey, Shri Modi highlighted the country’s rapid progress towards becoming a developed nation under the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He spoke about advancements in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy and digital systems, stating that India is confidently shaping its future while contributing to global growth and prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi assured the Indian community abroad that the Government of India remains fully committed to their welfare and support. He encouraged members of the diaspora to contribute actively to the Viksit Bharat mission by sharing their experience and expertise gained in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is home to the largest Indian-origin population in mainland Europe, including nearly 200,000 members of the Surinami-Hindustani community. In this context, the Prime Minister highlighted the liberalisation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) eligibility for the Surinami-Hindustani diaspora from the fourth generation to the sixth generation.
The event reflected the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the Netherlands and highlighted the important role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations.
Source: MEA
