PM Modi Meets Indian Diaspora in The Hague During European Tour
The Hague became a proud focal point for the Indian diaspora in 2026 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose the Netherlands as the first stop of his European tour, meeting Dutch royals and engaging personally with the South Asian community at a cultural event in the city.
🗳️ Indian PM Modi Begins European Tour in Netherlands, Meets Dutch Royals
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his European tour in the Netherlands in May 2026, meeting with the Dutch royal family upon arrival before proceeding to other European capitals, according to Euronews. The Netherlands, with The Hague as its seat of government, was selected as the first stop in a broader European diplomatic itinerary for the Indian leader. Modi's meeting with the Dutch royals underscored the warm bilateral relations between India and the Netherlands, two countries with long historical ties dating to the colonial era. The Netherlands is home to one of the most established Indian diaspora communities in Western Europe, with South Asians concentrated particularly in and around The Hague and Rotterdam. Modi's decision to open his European tour in the Netherlands sent a signal of the country's importance both as an economic partner and as a diaspora nation. The Euronews report highlighted the diplomatic formalities surrounding Modi's arrival, including the protocol-level royal engagement before his broader political and business agenda took shape. For the Indian diaspora in The Hague, their Prime Minister visiting the Netherlands and treating it as the gateway to Europe was a source of pride and visibility that the community followed closely across social media and diaspora news channels. [3]
🤝 Modi Interacts with Indian Diaspora in The Hague, Witnesses Cultural and Classical Performances
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally engaged with the Indian diaspora community in The Hague during his Netherlands visit, witnessing cultural and classical performances organized to honor his presence, according to The Tribune. The diaspora event brought together Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin living in and around The Hague, giving community members direct access to their Prime Minister on European soil. Such diaspora interactions have become a hallmark of Modi's foreign visits, reinforcing ties between the Indian government and overseas Indian communities. Classical performances showcasing Indian heritage and artistic traditions were organized as part of the event, reflecting the diaspora's desire to present its cultural identity and achievements to the visiting leader. The Tribune's coverage captured the significance of the moment for the Indian-Dutch community. The Hague hosts a substantial Indian diaspora population, with professionals, students, long-established families, and recent arrivals all contributing to the fabric of Dutch society while maintaining close bonds with India. Modi's engagement with the community in The Hague reinforced the Indian government's commitment to maintaining active relationships with its diaspora across Europe and signaled that the Netherlands Desi community holds a valued place in Indian foreign policy considerations. [5]
Sources: [3] Euronews.com · [5] The Tribune India