Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for stronger cooperation between India and the Netherlands in sectors such as resilient supply chains, green hydrogen and semiconductors while addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague. He highlighted India’s rapid transformation in technology, innovation and digital development at a time when the world is facing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaking during the event, Modi said the global situation had become increasingly difficult due to multiple crises over the last few years. Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing wars and disruptions in the energy sector, he said countries across the world were struggling to deal with growing instability. “Today, the world is struggling because of new problems… first there was corona and then new wars happened… we now have an energy crisis,” Modi said. He also warned that the world could move towards a “decade of disasters” if these issues were not resolved quickly.
Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of India’s partnership with the Netherlands in ensuring stable and reliable global supply chains. He said both countries were working closely in emerging sectors that would shape the future global economy. “Amid such times, the Netherlands and India are working hard to build resilient supply chains,” he said. Modi added that cooperation between the two nations in areas such as green hydrogen, innovation and semiconductor manufacturing would become increasingly important in the coming years.
During his speech, Modi also spoke about India’s growing role in technology and digital innovation. “Today’s India is going through a phase of unprecedented transformation,” he said. He referred to India hosting major international events such as the AI Summit and the G20 Summit. He also highlighted several government initiatives, including large-scale digital identity and financial inclusion programmes that have expanded access to technology and banking services across the country.
The Prime Minister said India’s young population was playing a major role in shaping the country’s future in technology-driven sectors. According to him, Indian youth now aim to position the country as a global leader in fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. He also pointed out that India currently has the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, which continues to grow rapidly.
Modi also reflected on the BJP-led government completing 12 years since its first majority victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Recalling the political shift that took place at the time, he said, “After decades, a stable government with an absolute majority was formed in India.” He added, “The trust of crores of Indians does not let me stop or tire.”
Addressing the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands, Modi praised the community for preserving Indian traditions and cultural values despite living far from home. He appreciated the emotional connection that overseas Indians continue to maintain with the country. “The colour of the passport may change, the address may change, and even the time zone may change, but wherever the children of Maa Bharti live, this warmth and vibrancy always remain,” he said.
As part of the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. He will also meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The discussions are expected to focus on key sectors including semiconductors, defence, green hydrogen, innovation and water management. The meetings are aimed at strengthening strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Netherlands visit is part of Modi’s five-nation tour taking place from May 15 to May 20. The larger aim of the tour is to deepen India’s engagement with Europe and the Gulf region in sectors such as trade, technology, energy and green growth. Modi began the tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
After completing his engagements in the Netherlands, Modi will travel to Sweden where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. He will also jointly address the European Round Table for Industry along with Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions in Sweden are expected to focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.
The Prime Minister will later participate in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19. During the summit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are also expected to attend the summit, where regional cooperation, green growth and technological partnerships are likely to be discussed.
