The Hague, Netherlands: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s booming startup ecosystem, rapid digital transformation, clean energy expansion and concerns over the growing global energy crisis while addressing the Indian diaspora at a community event in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands.
Addressing a packed gathering, Modi said India is witnessing an era of “unlimited aspirations and limitless efforts,” driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development and technology-led growth.
India Emerges as World’s Third-Largest Startup Ecosystem
Emphasising India’s growing stature as a global technology and innovation hub, the Prime Minister said the country has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
“Twelve years ago, India had fewer than 500 startups. Today, the number has crossed 200,000. In 2025 alone, nearly 44,000 new startups were registered,” Modi said.
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He added that India currently has around 125 active unicorns, with startups making significant contributions in artificial intelligence, defence, fintech, semiconductors and space technology.
“India is a land of opportunities. India is both technology-driven and humanity-driven,” he said.
Digital India Driving Global Innovation
Highlighting the scale of India’s digital economy, Modi said the country processes more than 20 billion Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions every month, accounting for more than half of all digital transactions globally.
He described India’s digital public infrastructure as a global benchmark, citing platforms such as DigiLocker, DigiYatra and digital health IDs.
The Prime Minister also noted that India has implemented:
- The world’s largest unique identification programme through Aadhaar
- The largest financial inclusion initiative through Jan Dhan accounts
- The world’s biggest government-funded health insurance programme through Ayushman Bharat
Semiconductor Push and Advanced Technology Growth
Modi said India is rapidly strengthening its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, with work underway on 12 semiconductor plants and production already beginning at two facilities.
He added that India’s youth are increasingly focusing on cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, drone manufacturing and semiconductor technology, positioning the country as a major innovation centre.
Infrastructure and Clean Energy Expansion
The Prime Minister said India is building some of the world’s largest solar parks while rapidly expanding expressways, metro rail networks, airports, electrified railways, tunnels and bridges.
He said these investments are enhancing India’s economic resilience and strengthening its energy security amid global uncertainty.
“India wants to become a global manufacturing hub, a green energy leader and the world’s growth engine,” he said.
Warning Over Global Energy Crisis
Addressing global challenges, Modi said the world continues to face disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, wars and supply chain instability.
“This decade is becoming a decade of disasters for the world. If these conditions are not changed rapidly, many achievements of previous decades could be wiped out and a large population may once again fall into poverty,” he warned.
India and Netherlands Working on Trusted Supply Chains
Modi stressed the importance of resilient and transparent global supply chains.
He said India and the Netherlands are working together to build trusted and future-ready supply chains in areas such as energy security, green hydrogen and water management.
He also noted that the strengthening of India-Europe trade ties will further position the Netherlands as an important gateway for Indian businesses entering European markets.
India’s Democratic Strength on Display
The Prime Minister underlined the vibrancy of Indian democracy, noting that more than 64 crore people participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
He said this figure exceeds the total population of the European Union and reflects growing public participation and confidence in India’s democratic institutions.
Indian Diaspora Called a “Living Bridge”
Praising the Indian community in the Netherlands, Modi said the diaspora has made significant contributions to Dutch society and continues to preserve Indian culture and values.
He described the community as a “living bridge” connecting India’s ambitions with European markets and standards.
Modi Recalls May 16, 2014 Political Milestone
Reflecting on his political journey, Modi recalled May 16, 2014, when India elected a stable majority government after years of coalition politics.
He said the continued trust and support of the people motivate him to work relentlessly toward transforming India into a developed nation.
