PM Modi: Indian Diaspora Fosters India-Netherlands Partnership
The Hague, May 17 — During a recent meeting in The Hague, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten highlighted the vital role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between India and the Netherlands. They agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on specific initiatives and collaborative action plans for the next five years, from 2026 to 2030.
The Netherlands is home to the largest population of people of Indian origin in mainland Europe, including around 200,000 from the Surinamese-Hindustani community. In an effort to celebrate this connection, Prime Minister Modi emphasized a new policy that expands Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility for this community from the fourth generation to the sixth.
On social media, Modi expressed how the Indian diaspora serves as a “living bridge” between the nations, and the community welcomed the OCI card changes enthusiastically.
Earlier that day, Modi received a warm reception from the Indian community in The Hague, which filled the room with excitement. He praised the diaspora for their significant contributions to Dutch society and underscored the enduring cultural ties between India and the Surinamese-Hindustani people.
He noted the increasing number of Indian professionals, particularly in the technology sector, and the growing presence of Indian students in Dutch universities, emphasizing their role in enhancing modern partnerships. Additionally, he remarked on the vibrant sports connections between cricket and hockey, which further unite the two countries.
Modi stressed that the cooperation between India and the Netherlands is continuously evolving, particularly in technology and innovation. He pointed out that the Netherlands is a major destination for Indian exports and an important investment partner.
The Prime Minister mentioned the potential for new opportunities through the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and spoke about India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He highlighted ongoing advancements in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and digital systems.
In closing, he assured the Indian community abroad that the Indian government is committed to their welfare and encouraged them to contribute to India’s development journey by sharing their experiences from the Netherlands.
