Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday cautioned that persistent wars and global instability could erase decades of developmental progress and force large populations back into poverty. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands, he highlighted the need for resilient and trusted global supply chains.
Challenges of the Current Decade
Modi described the current global situation as extremely challenging, marked by the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and an energy crisis. "First came corona, then wars broke out, and now there's an energy crisis," he said, adding that "this decade is becoming a decade of crises for the world." He warned that if the situation does not change quickly, the achievements of past decades could be undone, and a large segment of the global population could fall back into poverty.
India-Netherlands Cooperation on Supply Chains
Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister emphasized the growing collaboration between India and the Netherlands in building secure and transparent supply chains. "In such global circumstances, the world today is talking about resilient supply chains, and India and the Netherlands are working together to build a trusted and transparent supply chain," he stated. His remarks came during a community event attended by members of the Indian diaspora, where he also praised the Indian community for preserving their cultural roots while contributing to Dutch society.
Diaspora and Cultural Preservation
Modi expressed his delight at the warm reception, saying, "So much love and enthusiasm... to tell you the truth, for a while I completely forgot that I'm in the Netherlands. It feels just like some festival is going on somewhere in India." He described the stories of Indians abroad as "stories of progress amid countless struggles" and commended the diaspora for maintaining Indian languages and traditions across generations.
Reflections on India's Transformation
The Prime Minister also reflected on India's political and economic transformation over the past decade, recalling the 2014 Lok Sabha election results that brought the BJP-led NDA government to power with a full majority after decades. "Today is May 16, and this day is very special for another reason as well. Twelve years ago today, on May 16, 2014, something special happened," he said, noting that the election results marked the return of a stable majority government. "The faith of crores of Indians does not let me stop, nor does it let me tire," he added.
Economic Growth and Innovation
Highlighting India's economic progress, Modi said the country has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem and is increasingly becoming a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and green energy. This growth, he noted, is a testament to the nation's resilience and potential.
Sporting Ties Between India and the Netherlands
Modi also touched upon sporting ties, noting the Netherlands' strong performance in the T20 Cricket World Cup held in India. He acknowledged the contributions of both countries to each other's sporting ecosystems, mentioning that just as Indians have contributed to Dutch cricket, the Netherlands has played an important role in Indian hockey. He specifically praised former India women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne for his "significant role" in the growth of Indian women's hockey.
The Prime Minister's address underscored the importance of global cooperation and the resilience of the Indian diaspora in fostering stronger bilateral ties.
