Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned that the current global challenges could reverse the progress made in recent decades, potentially pushing millions into poverty if not urgently addressed. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in The Hague, he noted, “We are witnessing how the world is struggling with new challenges one after the other. First was the coronavirus pandemic, then wars began to erupt, and now the world is facing an energy crisis. This decade is increasingly turning into a decade of disasters for the world. We can all see that if these conditions are not changed swiftly, a very large section of the world’s population could once again be pushed into the quagmire of poverty.”
Modi’s address, however, primarily highlighted India’s significant achievements during his 12-year tenure, emphasizing the importance of the Indian diaspora and the relationship between India and the Netherlands. He pointed to the substantial voter turnout in recent elections and the aspirations reflected in India’s goal to host the Olympics and become a global manufacturing hub. “From that day to this day, the trust reposed in me by crores of Indians neither allows me to stop nor to tire,” he stated.
The Prime Minister characterized India as a land of opportunities, merging technology and humanity. He invited the diaspora to reconnect with India and engage in its journey towards becoming a developed nation. “This will strengthen India’s capabilities, and it will also bring greater returns on your investments. This is Modi’s guarantee,” he assured the audience, receiving applause in response.
