PM Modi's visit historic moment, diaspora turnout shows India's progress: Overseas Friends of BJP UK incharge Kuldeep Shekhawat
The Hague, May 16
Overseas Friends of BJP-United Kingdom incharge Kuldeep Shekhawat on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands as historic, saying the strong turnout of the Indian diaspora in The Hague reflected India's growing global stature and swift progress.
"This is a historic visit. It was a sight to see how he spoke about the partnership between India and the Netherlands, and the way the members of the Indian diaspora gathered here and welcomed him. It shows how India is swiftly progressing. Prime Minister Modi gave a very focused speech," Shekhawat told ANI.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands during his visit to the European country.
Speaking at an Indian community event later, PM Modi lauded the strong people-to-people ties between India and the Netherlands and referred to the "love and enthusiasm" at an Indian community event here and said It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship".
The Prime Minister referred to the popularity of tulips in the Netherlands and lotuses in India.
"The Netherlands is known for tulips, just as 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.
"Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only... It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship," he added.
The Prime Minister, who is in the Netherlands in the second leg of his five-nation visit, will hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Rob Jetten.
This is PM Modi's second visit to the Netherlands after his previous visit in 2017. The bilateral engagement spans diverse sectors, including defence, security, innovation, green hydrogen, semiconductors and a Strategic Partnership on Water.
The Prime Minister's visit early in the tenure of the new Government has provided an opportunity to further deepen and expand the multifaceted partnership.
The Netherlands is one of India's largest trade destinations in Europe, with bilateral trade worth USD 27.8 billion (2024-25), and India's 4th largest investor with cumulative FDI of USD 55.6 billion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see the Indian diaspora coming out in such numbers. But I wish the article also mentioned some of the economic or cultural concerns that might be discussed, not just the welcome. Still, proud moment for sure 🇮🇳
PM Modi's global outreach is unmatched. The way he connects Indian culture with local culture like tulips and lotuses shows his diplomatic brilliance. Netherlands is a key partner for us in technology and water management. Good going! 👏
Very happy to see India getting its due respect on world stage. The diaspora turnout shows how much we love our country. But I hope the government also focuses on issues back home like inflation and unemployment. Tab hi asli vikas hoga.
As a non-Indian living in Europe, I find this energy around PM Modi very interesting. The tulip-lotus metaphor is quite poetic. It's good that countries like Netherlands and India are strengthening ties beyond just trade.
It's heartening to see the Indian community abroad so united. The love and enthusiasm described here is something we all feel whenever we see our leaders representing us globally. Proud to be Indian today! 🇮🇳✨
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