The Haque/New Delhi, 16 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep concern in The Hague over the global energy crisis, saying that if the world does not address this challenge in time, the development gains achieved over several decades could be wiped out. He warned that a large section of the world’s population could once again be pushed into poverty.
Prime Minister Modi, who has arrived in the Netherlands as part of the second leg of his six-day, five-nation foreign tour, addressed the Indian community and said that under current global conditions, the world requires resilient and reliable supply chains. India and the Netherlands, he said, are working together to build transparent and trustworthy supply chains.
The Prime Minister said that once the free trade agreement between India and the European Union comes into effect, the Netherlands could become a major gateway to Europe. He noted that the largest Indian-origin community in mainland Europe lives in the Netherlands.
In his address, the Prime Minister referred to cultural symbols and said, “Just as India is known for the lotus, the Netherlands is known for the tulip. Both the tulip and the lotus teach us that beauty and strength can be achieved whether roots are in water or in soil.”
PM Modi said that in recent years, public faith in democracy in India has continued to grow stronger. When ordinary citizens see their dreams being fulfilled and their role in development expanding, trust in the democratic system increases further.
Citing the recent Assembly elections, he said that turnout of nearly 90 percent was recorded this time in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, reflecting the people’s growing confidence in democracy.
The Prime Minister made a special mention of May 16, saying that it was on this day in 2014 that the results of the Lok Sabha elections were announced and, after decades, the country got a stable government with a full majority.
He said that serving the nation for 13 years as Chief Minister and 12 years as Prime Minister has been a matter of privilege for him. The continued support of crores of citizens, he added, is his greatest strength.
PM Modi said that from a very young age, he had been inspired by patriotism. He chose the path of moving “from self to we,” and today the happiness of the people is his happiness, while their welfare is his duty.
He said that today India is not merely dreaming of change, but of becoming the best. The country is moving rapidly towards the fastest growth, modern technology and global leadership.
The Prime Minister said that India is no longer a country confined to inward-looking thinking, but is moving towards becoming the world’s growth engine. He said India is working rapidly towards hosting the Olympics, becoming a global manufacturing hub and leading in green energy. He also said India is advancing quickly in the semiconductor sector. Work is underway on 12 semiconductor plants in the country, two of which have already begun production.
Soon, chips too will be “Designed in India” and “Made in India.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that coming to the Netherlands feels like experiencing India. He said the Indian community has made an important contribution to the country’s progress, and every Indian should be proud of that. He said the stories of Indian families living there are not just stories of migration, but of struggle and success. Times changed, countries changed and generations changed, but Indian values, family traditions and cultural ties remain alive even today.
The Prime Minister said that Indians have adopted the Dutch language while also preserving their mother tongues and cultural traditions. Indian music and culture, he added, are now reaching Dutch families as well.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
