PM Modi Visits the Netherlands
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined an Indian community event in The Hague. Upon his arrival, he received a warm and vibrant welcome from a large crowd of Indian expatriates and local supporters.
During his speech, Modi expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception. He recognized the significant impact the Indian diaspora has on Dutch society, serving as a strong link between India and the Netherlands. He emphasized the rich historical connections of the Surinami-Hindustani community to India, praising their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage across generations.
Modi noted the contributions of Indian professionals in tech and the increasing enrollment of Indian students in Dutch universities. These trends illustrate the growing partnership between the countries, with technology and innovation being key areas of focus. Sports, especially cricket and hockey, are also enhancing ties between the two nations.
The Prime Minister highlighted the expanding bilateral ties, pointing out that the Netherlands is one of India’s biggest export partners in Europe. He also mentioned that the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to create even more opportunities for collaboration.
Looking to the future, Modi shared India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047, which he termed Viksit Bharat. He underlined the rapid growth across various sectors in India, such as infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technology. This ongoing transformation not only shapes India’s future but also contributes to global prosperity.
He reassured the Indian community that the Government of India is committed to their welfare and encouraged them to actively participate in the Viksit Bharat initiative by leveraging their experiences in the Netherlands.
Notably, the Netherlands has the largest Indian population in mainland Europe, with approximately 200,000 individuals from the Surinami-Hindustani community. Modi also spoke about the recent changes allowing greater access to Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) eligibility for this diaspora, extending it from the fourth to the sixth generation.
In 2021, around 15% of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands participated in tech jobs, emphasizing the community’s growing influence in this field. As the Netherlands shifts towards more sustainable practices, the expertise of Indian professionals can further enhance opportunities in innovation and environmental technology. This collaboration not only highlights the importance of cultural exchange but also echoes the sentiment of a shared future.
Overall, Modi’s visit underscores the deep-rooted connections between India and the Netherlands, as well as the potential for future growth through cooperation and shared goals.
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