Modi warns of “decade of crises”, urges global action during Hague address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world risks sliding into poverty if COVID, war and energy shocks persist.

The Hague — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned that the world is entering a “decade of crises” and urged collective global action to prevent large-scale reversals in development, during an address to the Indian community in The Hague as part of his Netherlands visit.

A stark opening

Speaking before a packed community event in the early afternoon, Mr Modi said the sequence of shocks — the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent wars and now an energy crisis — has created conditions that could push millions back into poverty if not checked. According to officials, he used the phrase “decade of disasters” to underscore the scale of the challenge.

He delivered the warning roughly three hours after landing in the Netherlands late Friday night and ahead of scheduled bilateral meetings with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima and Dutch leaders. Local sources said the address lasted over 40 minutes and drew applause and chants from the diaspora.

Key policy points

Modi highlighted India's domestic achievements as part of his argument for resilience. He noted that India recorded more than 20 billion UPI transactions in a year and touted the country’s rapid startup growth, saying the nation now hosts over 200,000 startups and 125 unicorns. He also referred to advances in semiconductor manufacturing, saying work is underway on 12 plants, with two already producing chips.

“Chips will also be Made in India,” he said, according to an official readout, linking economic self-reliance to broader global stability.

Cultural outreach and community ties

The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands as a “trusted bridge” for Indian businesses seeking entry into Europe and highlighted the Surinamese-Indian community’s role in preserving Indian culture. Around 200,000 people of Surinamese-Hindustani origin live in the Netherlands; many trace their roots to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal and speak Sarnami, a language linked to Bhojpuri and Awadhi.

Ground reports from The Hague described a warm reception: Dutch musicians performed a rendition based on raga Durga, Indian classical instruments were played, and cultural dances such as Kathak and Garba featured in the programme. A young Dutch-Indian presented the Prime Minister with a painting of the Ram Temple, attendees said.

Historic restitution announced

In another notable development during the visit, the Dutch government returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam copper plates — known in the Netherlands as the Leiden Plates — to India. Officials said the plates, thought to date from Raja Raja Chola I’s reign, contain inscriptions about land and tax grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam and weigh about 30 kg in total. The return was described in New Delhi as an important cultural moment in bilateral ties.

Diplomacy and next steps

Mr Modi held talks with Dutch officials upon arrival and is slated for further discussions with Prime Minister Dick Schoof, focusing on supply chains, green energy cooperation and joint international projects. In his speech he described the Netherlands as a “natural gateway” for Indian firms entering Europe and compared India–Netherlands ties to a lotus and a tulip — rooted differently but growing strong when supported.

Local authorities confirmed the Prime Minister’s schedule includes a state-level reception and meetings on trade and technology. Sources familiar with the delegation said climate-resilient infrastructure and semiconductor cooperation will be priorities in formal talks.

Impact and public relevance

Analysts say Modi’s emphasis on the risk of global impoverishment frames India’s development push as not just national but globally stabilising. “The pitch is two-fold: showcase India’s resilience and mobilise partners to prevent a global backslide,” said a policy analyst in New Delhi who declined to be named. For diaspora audiences, the visit reinforced cultural connections at a time of wider geopolitical uncertainty.

What to watch

Observers will be watching for joint statements after Modi’s meetings with Dutch leadership and for any new agreements on energy, semiconductors or cultural restitution beyond the copper plates. Back in India, officials will closely monitor whether the visit yields concrete trade and technology commitments that can be translated into on-ground projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Netherlands from May 15 to 17 as part of his ongoing international tour, marking another important step in India’s expanding diplomatic engagement with Europe. The PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026 is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and deepening collaboration in emerging technologies and sustainable development.

The visit comes at a time when India and the Netherlands are actively expanding their strategic partnership, with increasing cooperation in areas such as water management, renewable energy, semiconductor technology, and agriculture innovation. Diplomatic sources describe the visit as a forward-looking engagement aimed at building a resilient and future-ready partnership between the two nations.

Strengthening India–Netherlands Relations

India and the Netherlands share a long-standing and friendly relationship that has evolved significantly in recent years. The Netherlands is one of India’s key partners in Europe, with strong economic, technological, and academic linkages. During the PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026, both sides are expected to review the progress of ongoing bilateral agreements and explore new opportunities for collaboration. High-level discussions will likely focus on strengthening strategic cooperation and expanding joint initiatives in innovation and sustainable development. Officials believe the visit will further elevate India–Netherlands relations into a comprehensive global partnership with long-term strategic significance.

Focus on Trade and Investment Growth

Trade and investment will remain central themes of the visit. The Netherlands is one of the largest European investors in India, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, logistics, and high-tech manufacturing. The PM Modi international tour Netherlands 2026 is expected to attract fresh investment commitments from Dutch companies looking to expand in India’s rapidly growing market. Both countries are also expected to discuss improving ease of doing business, financial connectivity, and supply chain resilience. India’s expanding manufacturing sector and digital economy provide significant opportunities for Dutch firms, while Dutch expertise in logistics and innovation adds value to India’s development goals.

Cooperation in Clean Energy and Climate Action

Sustainability and clean energy cooperation are expected to be key highlights of the visit. Both India and the Netherlands have committed to ambitious climate goals and are working towards a greener global future.

The PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026 is likely to focus on renewable energy collaboration, including offshore wind energy, hydrogen development, and solar power projects. The Netherlands’ advanced expertise in sustainable infrastructure and water management is seen as highly valuable for India’s climate adaptation efforts. This partnership aligns with India’s long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions and promoting green growth.

Technology and Innovation Partnership

Technology cooperation is another major pillar of India–Netherlands relations. Both countries are actively collaborating in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, fintech, and cybersecurity. During the PM Modi international tour Netherlands 2026, discussions are expected to focus on expanding joint research, innovation hubs, and startup ecosystems. The Netherlands, known for its strong innovation ecosystem, provides a valuable partner for India’s rapidly growing digital economy. Experts believe this cooperation will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology companies in both countries.

Water Management and Agriculture Cooperation

One of the most unique aspects of India–Netherlands relations is cooperation in water management and agriculture technology. The Netherlands is globally recognized for its advanced water control systems, sustainable farming techniques, and agri-tech innovations. The PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026 is expected to strengthen collaboration in these areas, especially as India focuses on improving irrigation systems, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture. Joint projects and knowledge exchange programs are likely to be expanded, benefiting farmers and rural development initiatives in India.

Indian Diaspora and Cultural Ties

The Indian community in the Netherlands plays an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora, highlighting their contribution to Dutch society and the strengthening of bilateral ties. The cultural connection between the two nations has grown steadily, supported by educational exchanges, business partnerships, and tourism. The PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026 will further reinforce these human connections.

Global and Strategic Importance

The visit also holds broader geopolitical significance as India continues to expand its engagement with European partners. The Netherlands, being an influential member of the European Union, serves as a key gateway for India’s relations with Europe. The PM Modi international tour Netherlands 2026 is expected to reinforce India’s position as a reliable global partner committed to multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and economic stability. Both countries are likely to coordinate on global challenges such as climate change, supply chain resilience, and global security.

Forward-Looking Partnership

The Netherlands visit is being seen as a continuation of India’s proactive and strategic foreign policy approach. By engaging closely with European nations, India aims to build stronger economic ties, technological collaboration, and global partnerships. The PM Modi Netherlands visit 2026 is expected to produce meaningful outcomes that will strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for growth and cooperation.

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