Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described India as a \u201cland of opportunities\u201d, saying the country is witnessing an unprecedented phase of transformation and that its aspirations are now extending far beyond its borders.<\/p>\n
Addressing members of the Indian community in The Hague, Modi said India is aiming higher across sectors, while its youth are driven by big dreams and aspirations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always a delight to interact with the Indian diaspora. So much love and enthusiasm… to tell you the truth, for a while I even forgot that I\u2019m in the Netherlands. It feels just like some festival is going on somewhere in India,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to Dutch society and economy, saying every Indian feels proud of their achievements overseas.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday India is saying we don\u2019t just want transformation, we want the best, we want the fastest. That is why when there are unlimited aspirations in India, the efforts are also becoming limitless,\u201d Modi said during his over 40-minute address, drawing applause from the audience.<\/p>\n
Stating that India is going through a period of rapid and unprecedented change, Modi pointed to the country\u2019s successful hosting of major global events.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou must have seen recently that India hosted the world\u2019s largest and most successful AI Summit. Before that, India also successfully hosted the G20 Summit. And this was not a one-time event. This has now become the character of today\u2019s India,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Highlighting India\u2019s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Prime Minister said the country now has the world\u2019s third-largest start-up network.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndia\u2019s aspirations today are no longer limited to its borders. India wants to host the Olympics, become a global manufacturing hub, emerge as a leader in green energy, and become the growth engine of the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Modi also thanked the people and government of the Netherlands on behalf of 140 crore Indians, while reiterating appreciation for the Indian community\u2019s role in strengthening ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n
\u201dIndia\u2019s aspirations today are no longer limited to its borders. India wants to host the Olympics, become a global manufacturing hub, emerge as a leader in green energy, and become the growth engine of the world,\u201d the prime minister said.<\/p>\n
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Recalling that in 2014, India had only four unicorns, Modi said India has nearly 125 active unicorns now. \u201dToday, our startups are doing remarkable work in AI, defence, and the space sector. This culture of research and innovation is becoming even more expansive,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
He said that India\u2019s aspiration-driven journey is also strengthening its democracy, as he mentioned the recently held assembly elections in multiple states.<\/p>\n
\u201dThis time, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry witnessed nearly 80\u201390 per cent voter turnout. Women\u2019s 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Modi also took a jibe at the opposition parties, asking the audience if the popular snack Jhalmuri has reached The Hague as well.<\/p>\n
Underlining that the Netherlands is known for tulips, Modi added that India is known for the lotus. \u201dBoth the tulip and the lotus teach us that whether the roots are in water or in the earth, one gains both beauty and strength,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Modi said India and the Netherlands can coordinate in the international arena and work on securing global projects.<\/p>\n
Modi also said that many cultures have vanished over time. But India\u2019s diverse culture still beats in the hearts of its people. \u201dGenerations have changed, countries have changed, environments have changed\u2026 but the family values have not changed,\u201d the PM said.<\/p>\n
Referring to the COVID pandemic and global conflicts, Modi said that this decade is becoming a decade of challenges for the world. \u201dIf these situations are not changed rapidly, the achievements of the past many decades will be washed away,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With inputs from agencies<\/p>\n
First Published:
\nMay 16, 2026, 17:06 IST<\/p>\n
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