The Hague: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed members of the Indian diaspora in The Hague, Netherlands, where he highlighted India’s four major national goals and emphasized that the country is “dreaming big” and moving forward with strong ambition.
During his speech, PM Modi said that the atmosphere in The Hague reflected a strong bond of friendship, calling it a “living symbol of Indian friendship.” He noted that while passports, addresses, and time zones may change, the spirit of Indian culture and the enthusiasm of celebrating life remain constant among Indians worldwide.
Referring to India’s civilizational strength, the Prime Minister said that many civilizations have disappeared over time, but India’s diverse culture continues to live on in people’s hearts.
PM Modi also recalled the significance of May 16, 2014, when election results had paved the way for a stable, full-majority government in India after a long time. He said that the trust of the people continuously motivates him to work without pause or fatigue.
Highlighting India’s technological and economic progress, the Prime Minister said that the country now records over 20 billion UPI transactions every month, accounting for more than half of global digital transactions. He also noted the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem, stating that the number of startups has increased from fewer than 500 a decade ago to more than 200,000 today.
PM Modi further mentioned his upcoming meetings with the King and Queen of the Netherlands as well as discussions with the President on various important issues. He appreciated the Indian diaspora for their contribution to Dutch society and economy, saying that every Indian is proud of their achievements abroad.
Addressing global challenges, PM Modi said the world has faced COVID-19, followed by ongoing conflicts and an energy crisis, describing the current decade as one marked by global disruptions. He warned that if these challenges are not addressed quickly, decades of progress could be reversed, pushing large populations back into poverty.
He also emphasized the need for resilient global supply chains and said that India and the Netherlands are working together to build a trustworthy, transparent, and future-ready supply chain system.