Recalling that in 2014, India had only four unicorns, Modi said India has nearly 125 active unicorns now.
“Today, our startups are doing remarkable work in AI, defence, and the space sector. This culture of research and innovation is becoming even more expansive,” he added.
He said that India’s aspiration-driven journey is also strengthening its democracy, as he mentioned the recently held assembly elections in multiple states.
“This time, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry witnessed nearly 80-90 per cent voter turnout. Women’s participation also increased significantly, and this trend is visible across every state. Today, voters in India are enthusiastic. We feel proud that voting records are being broken every year,” he said.
Modi also took a jibe at the opposition parties, asking the audience if the popular snack Jhalmuri has reached The Hague as well.
Underlining that the Netherlands is known for tulips, Modi added that India is known for the lotus.
“Both the tulip and the lotus teach us that whether the roots are in water or in the earth, one gains both beauty and strength,” he said.
Modi said India and the Netherlands can coordinate in the international arena and work on securing global projects.
Modi also said that many cultures have vanished over time.
But India’s diverse culture still beats in the hearts of its people.
“Generations have changed, countries have changed, environments have changed… but the family values have not changed,” the PM said.
Referring to the COVID pandemic and global conflicts, Modi said that this decade is becoming a decade of challenges for the world.
“If these situations are not changed rapidly, the achievements of the past many decades will be washed away,” he warned.
Modi arrived in the Netherlands on Friday on the second leg of his five-nation tour to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, defence and renewable energy.
(With inputs from PTI)