Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to the Netherlands has sparked a wave of online chatter, with several moments from his interaction with the Indian diaspora quickly gaining traction on social media. This visit is part of his four-nation Europe tour focused on strengthening cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and strategic sectors. The community event held in The Hague became a focal point for expressions of support, as well as for lighter moments involving local food references.
One particular clip from the community event in The Hague grabbed widespread attention after members of the Indian diaspora were heard chanting, “Bacche maange maa kee godi, bengal maange narendra modi.” Videos of the moment were widely circulated online, with users across platforms reacting to the energetic slogan raised during the gathering. The slogan, which translates approximately to “Children ask for mother’s lap, Bengal asks for Narendra Modi,” reflects the strong emotional connection that many in the Bengali community feel toward the Prime Minister. The chant was captured on video and shared by multiple social media users, including one identified as (@PoliticalKida), who captioned it: “Bachche maange maa ki godi, Bengal maange Narendra Modi – Best video from PM Modi’s community programme in the Netherlands.”
The viral clip highlights the unique cultural exchange that often takes place during overseas visits by Indian leaders. Diaspora events are designed to connect the Indian community abroad with their homeland, and political slogans frequently emerge as a spontaneous expression of unity. In this case, the reference to Bengal, a state that has had complex political dynamics with the central government, adds a layer of significance. The chant suggests that the community feels the Prime Minister’s policies and leadership are especially resonant in Bengal, despite the state being ruled by a different political party. Political analysts have noted that such slogans often serve as barometers of public sentiment, especially among expatriates who remain deeply invested in Indian politics.
Apart from the slogan, another segment from the event that went viral was PM Modi’s reference to jhalmuri during his speech. Jhalmuri is a popular Bengali street food made from puffed rice, spices, and vegetables. By mentioning this local delicacy, Modi demonstrated an awareness of regional culture, which endeared him further to the Bengali diaspora present in the audience. The lighthearted moment was captured on video and shared widely, generating positive reactions. It also served as a reminder of how Indian leaders often use food references to create a sense of familiarity and warmth during overseas addresses.
Beyond the social media buzz, the visit also had substantial diplomatic and economic components. Earlier in the day, PM Modi participated in interactions with CEOs of major Dutch companies spanning sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, ports, trade, and technology. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral investment and leveraging Dutch expertise for India’s development goals. During the meeting, Modi encouraged businesses from the Netherlands to expand their presence in India, especially in areas including semiconductors, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, maritime services, and healthcare. He said, “We are continuously reducing compliance and increasing the ease of doing business. We have recently carried out next-generation reforms in taxation, labour code, and governance.”
The CEO roundtable was attended by representatives from firms such as Shell, Philips, Unilever, and other leading Dutch multinationals. Topics ranged from green hydrogen and sustainable agriculture to fintech and supply chain resilience. Modi highlighted India’s progress in the startup ecosystem and digital public infrastructure, inviting Dutch companies to partner in India’s growth story. The Dutch side expressed interest in deepening ties, particularly in the areas of water management, port infrastructure, and high-tech manufacturing. The meeting concluded with an agreement to set up a joint working group to facilitate business-to-business collaboration and address regulatory hurdles.
In another key development during the visit, the Netherlands formally returned 11th-century Chola dynasty copper plates to India in the presence of PM Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (noted as Rob Jetten in some reports, but Rutte was the prime minister at the time). This marked a significant cultural milestone between the two nations. The copper plates, which are inscribed in Tamil, were originally part of a larger set of documents issued by the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I. They record grants of land and privileges to a temple in Tamil Nadu and hold immense historical and archaeological value. The repatriation was the result of years of collaboration between Indian and Dutch authorities, following the identification of the plates in a museum collection in Amsterdam.
Calling it a joyous moment for every Indian, PM Modi took to his official X handle and wrote, “Chola Copper Plates dating back to the 11th Century will be repatriated to India from the Netherlands. Took part in the ceremony for the same in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Rutte.” The return of the plates is part of a broader effort by India to recover antiquities that were taken abroad, often during the colonial period. In recent years, India has successfully secured the return of several artefacts from countries like the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The cultural repatriation underscores the importance of preserving heritage and the role of international cooperation in restitution.
The Netherlands visit also included bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (though some earlier reports incorrectly named Rob Jetten, who was actually the Minister for Climate and Energy). The two leaders discussed ways to enhance collaboration in defence, security, space, and people-to-people contacts. They also reviewed the progress of the Strategic Partnership on Water and the Green Hydrogen Partnership. Modi and Rutte agreed to set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, building on the current level of around $18 billion. They also committed to working together on climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals.
Earlier in the trip, PM Modi laid a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in The Hague and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I at the Indian War Memorial in Jubbega. These symbolic gestures reinforced the historical ties between the two countries. Gandhi had spent time in South Africa, but his philosophy resonated in Europe as well, and the Netherlands has a significant community of Gandhian scholars. Modi’s visit to the Gandhi statue was well-received by the diaspora and highlighted shared values of non-violence and democracy.
The broader context of Modi’s Europe tour is India’s effort to deepen ties with key European nations in the face of global geopolitical shifts. The tour included earlier stops in France and Germany, where Modi participated in the G7 summit and held bilateral meetings with leaders of industrialized nations. The central theme of the tour has been to position India as a reliable partner for technology, trade, and sustainable development. With Europe seeking to diversify its supply chains away from China, India has emerged as an attractive alternative for investment in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green energy.
The diaspora event in The Hague also served as a platform for Modi to address the Indian community directly. He praised their achievements in the Netherlands and encouraged them to remain connected with India. He highlighted schemes such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Know India Programme, which aim to engage the diaspora in cultural and economic activities. The event was attended by several community leaders, including representatives of organizations that work on promoting Hindi, Indian dance, and yoga in the Netherlands.
Overall, the Netherlands visit produced a mix of diplomacy, culture, and social media moments that together reflect the multifaceted nature of modern statecraft. The chants, the jhalmuri reference, and the repatriation of copper plates all contributed to a narrative of a strong and emotional bond between India and its diaspora, as well as between India and the Netherlands. As PM Modi continues his European tour, the events in The Hague will likely be remembered as a high point of the journey, blending high-level talks with grassroots enthusiasm.
Source: MSN News