Modi in Netherlands: Highlights of PM's speech to Indian diaspora

Describing the Netherlands as India's "natural partner" in its economic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the bilateral ties with the country's major trading partner will grow rapidly.

After the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, the two countries signed three MoUs in the fields of social security, water cooperation and cultural cooperation.

During the talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to climate change accord and strengthen cooperation in developing renewable energy.

Ahead of the talks, Modi who is here on the final leg of his three-nation tour thanked the key European nation for backing India's Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership.

"Because of your support India got the membership of the MTCR," Modi said.

Later he addressed the Indian diaspora.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

It's wonderful to see a strong Indian population even in the Hague. I would like to especially thank the people who have come from Suriname

Despite leaving India, many people have not returned, but this doesn't mean they haven't got rid of their roots. Only a tree with firm roots will stand the test of time.

Indians have made their mark globally. I laud them for this.

The colours of our passport may be anything, but our ties are that of blood and our ties are very special. We all worship the same land. Modi

The Netherlands has the second largest Indian diaspora in Europe.

I want those living here to visit India. I would love to do work with them. 

The embassy staff, the officials they are called 'Rajdoots' but you, the Diaspora are the 'Rashtradoots' . 

Indians in Europe must be connected. 

 Every citizen is India's ambassador. 

Every Indian takes pride in the fact that India is a land of diversity. 

Since taking office, our priority is Jan Bhagidari. We seek strength from people to bring a transformative change.

India is about cooperative federalism. The centre and states working together for the development of India, this is our effort towards good governance.

It's a myth that Indian women stay at home and take care of the families. Today, it's a different story, as a lot of small and medium-scale enterprises are run by women. The role of women in the agriculture sector, cooperatives is very important. India's Nari Shakti is contributing to India's progress.

Several developed nations have 12-week maternity leave period. In India, it's 26-week maternity leave, thanks to a law passed in parliament. We do this because we look towards the child's future, which in turn is India's future

Mudra Yojana has turned our youth into job creators.

When former US President Barack Obama visited India during the Republic Day parade in January 2016, he was greeted by a guard of honour comprising women armed forces. 
He was surprised and I told him this is just the beginning of women empowerment in the country. 

 Three scientists, who are women, are instrumental in the success of India's Space Programme. 
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It's not just enough to take the nation forward, but we need to take its people forward
 

The India of the 21st century cannot stay behind when it comes to technology and infrastructure. Everything we have must be world class.
 

21st Century India cannot stay behind when it comes to technology and infrastructure. It must be world class.

Was shocked to learn 18,000 villages had no electricity. Modi
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Coming of optical fibre network in the villages will give our villages the same facilities that are associated with cities only.

Many people here in the Netherlands do not have OCI cards. I urge you all to get OCI cards.