Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 16 May described India as a land of opportunities powered by both technology and humanity, addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora in The Hague, Netherlands. Speaking at an event that drew an enthusiastic crowd, Modi positioned India as a rising force in innovation, economic growth, and global cooperation at a moment of acute international uncertainty.

Key Remarks by PM Modi

“India is a land of opportunities, which is driven by both technology and humanity,” Modi told the gathering. He characterised the current period as “a decade of challenges for the world,” citing the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing global conflicts as defining pressures that demand stronger international coordination and partnerships.

India-Netherlands Ties in Focus

Modi highlighted the deepening bilateral relationship between India and the Netherlands, noting that the two countries are “steadily expanding cooperation in critical sectors such as energy security and water security.” He added that both nations can collaborate more closely in the global arena and jointly pursue major international projects. Notably, the Netherlands is among Europe’s most significant trade and logistics hubs, making such cooperation strategically relevant for Indian industry.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement and European Expansion

Highlighting India’s growing economic engagement with Europe, Modi pointed to the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a vehicle that would further strengthen ties between the two sides. “The Netherlands could become a natural gateway for Indian businesses looking to expand into Europe,” he stated, underscoring the country’s potential as a commercial entry point for Indian firms targeting the continent’s single market.

Diaspora as a Bridge

Modi praised the Indian community in the Netherlands for its role in strengthening bilateral relations, describing the diaspora as a “trusted bridge” between the two nations that contributes significantly to people-to-people ties and economic cooperation. The warmth of the reception visibly moved the Prime Minister. “Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands,” he said, adding that The Hague had become “a living symbol of India-Netherlands friendship.”

Broader Context

Modi’s visit to The Hague is part of a wider European engagement at a time when India is actively diversifying its strategic and economic partnerships. The push for the India-EU FTA has gained momentum over recent months, with both sides seeking to reduce dependence on single-market supply chains. This outreach to the diaspora also fits a well-established pattern of Modi using community events abroad to build soft-power capital and reinforce the ‘Brand India’ narrative ahead of key trade negotiations.