‘India’s aspirations not limited to its borders’

Modi reaffirms New Delhi's bilateral ties with the Dutch during an interaction with Indian diaspora in the Netherlands

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described India as a ‘land of opportunities’ undergoing an ‘unprecedented transformation,’ saying the country’s ambitions now extend far beyond its borders as it seeks to emerge as a global manufacturing, technology and green energy hub.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands, Modi said India was entering a new phase driven by innovation, youth aspirations and international partnerships. ‘India of the 21st century is a land of opportunities. India is both technology-driven and humanity-driven. It is becoming as modern as it is ancient,’ he said in his over 40-minute address. ‘Today, India’s aspirations are not limited to its own borders. India wishes to host the Olympics, become a global manufacturing hub, emerge as a leader in green energy, and serve as an engine of growth for the world,’ he added.

Modi urged the Indian community and ‘friends of India’ in the Netherlands to deepen their engagement with India, saying the country’s rapid economic transformation offered major opportunities for investment and collaboration.