Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India is extending Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility for the Surinamese-Hindustani community from the fourth to the sixth generation, recognising their enduring ties to the country despite a complex migration history spanning more than 150 years.&nbsp;Speaking at a diaspora event in the Netherlands, PM Modi described the community as a "living bridge" between India and Europe. "The true strength of the relationship between India and the Netherlands lies in all of you," he said. "You are the living bridge of this partnership. Therefore, the Government of India has extended the eligibility for the OCI Card for the Surinamese Hindustani community from the fourth generation to the sixth generation."&nbsp;The Surinamese-Hindustani community, numbering around 120,000 in the Netherlands, represents the largest and oldest Indian-origin group in continental Europe. Their ancestors were indentured labourers from Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal who arrived in Suriname aboard the ship Lalla Rookh on 5 June 1873. After Suriname's independence in 1975, many migrated a second time to the Netherlands, creating a distinctive "twice-migrant" identity that blends Indian, Caribbean and Dutch influences.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-cm-vijay-allocates-cabinet-portfolios-keeps-home-and-urban-development-departments-1778936619878">Tamil Nadu CM Vijay allocates Cabinet portfolios, keeps Home and Urban Development departments</a>&nbsp;Central to their cultural continuity is Sarnami, a creole language derived from Bhojpuri and Awadhi with Dutch elements, still spoken in areas like The Hague. The community has preserved traditions such as Baithak Gana folk music, with artists like fifth-generation singer Raj Mohan pioneering a unique Sarnami-Bhojpuri style that has collaborated with Indian musicians, including Anup Jalota.&nbsp;PM Modi highlighted the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties. "The Netherlands will become the natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe," he said. "In this journey, our diaspora can serve as a trusted bridge... This will also create greater opportunities for Indians settled here to engage with high-quality products from India."&nbsp;He also expressed gratitude to the Dutch people and government, noting their appreciation for the community's contributions. "Every Indian takes pride in the contribution you are making to Dutch society and to the economy here. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warm wishes to the people of this country."&nbsp;The announcement builds on India's recognition of prominent community members through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Recipients include community leader Ram Lakhina (2009), Saleh Wahid (2011), former Hague Deputy Mayor Satnarainsing Rabin Baldew Singh (2014), and Eugene Rhuggenaath (2021), former Prime Minister of Curaçao. The move is seen as a significant step in deepening India's engagement with its far-flung diaspora.

The Surinamese-Hindustani community, with a population of nearly 120,000 in the Netherlands, is the largest and oldest Indian-origin community in continental Europe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India is extending Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility for the Surinamese-Hindustani community from the fourth to the sixth generation, recognising their enduring ties to the country despite a complex migration history spanning more than 150 years. Speaking at a diaspora event in the Netherlands, PM Modi described the community as a "living bridge" between India and Europe. "The true strength of the relationship between India and the Netherlands lies in all of you," he said. "You are the living bridge of this partnership. Therefore, the Government of India has extended the eligibility for the OCI Card for the Surinamese Hindustani community from the fourth generation to the sixth generation." The Surinamese-Hindustani community, numbering around 120,000 in the Netherlands, represents the largest and oldest Indian-origin group in continental Europe. Their ancestors were indentured labourers from Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal who arrived in Suriname aboard the ship Lalla Rookh on 5 June 1873. After Suriname's independence in 1975, many migrated a second time to the Netherlands, creating a distinctive "twice-migrant" identity that blends Indian, Caribbean and Dutch influences. Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay allocates Cabinet portfolios, keeps Home and Urban Development departments Central to their cultural continuity is Sarnami, a creole language derived from Bhojpuri and Awadhi with Dutch elements, still spoken in areas like The Hague. The community has preserved traditions such as Baithak Gana folk music, with artists like fifth-generation singer Raj Mohan pioneering a unique Sarnami-Bhojpuri style that has collaborated with Indian musicians, including Anup Jalota. PM Modi highlighted the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties. "The Netherlands will become the natural gateway for Indian businesses entering Europe," he said. "In this journey, our diaspora can serve as a trusted bridge... This will also create greater opportunities for Indians settled here to engage with high-quality products from India." He also expressed gratitude to the Dutch people and government, noting their appreciation for the community's contributions. "Every Indian takes pride in the contribution you are making to Dutch society and to the economy here. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my warm wishes to the people of this country." The announcement builds on India's recognition of prominent community members through the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards. Recipients include community leader Ram Lakhina (2009), Saleh Wahid (2011), former Hague Deputy Mayor Satnarainsing Rabin Baldew Singh (2014), and Eugene Rhuggenaath (2021), former Prime Minister of Curaçao. The move is seen as a significant step in deepening India's engagement with its far-flung diaspora.

The Surinamese-Hindustani community, with a population of nearly 120,000 in the Netherlands, is the largest and oldest Indian-origin community in continental Europe.

PM Modi extends OCI cards to sixth generation for Surinamese-Hindustani diaspora

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after landing in Netherlands for the second leg of his five-nation tour met the Indian Diaspora in Hague on Saturday (May 16). As he took the stage, he was welcomes by loud cheers by the huge crowd that gathered to hear him.&nbsp;As soon as he started his speech and praised the contribution of Indians living in the Netherlands and talked about their contribution in building a strong image of India abroad, the crowd turned emotional chanting and applauding the Prime Minister as he spoke.&nbsp;“Whenever I had a conversation with the leadership of the Netherlands, they always praised the Indian diaspora. Every Indian is proud of your contribution to the society and economy of the Netherlands,” said Modi addressing the Indian Diaspora.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-2026-another-aspirant-commits-suicide-after-cancellation-of-exam-over-paper-leak-row-1778914378041">NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam over paper leak row</a>&nbsp;He also hailed the energy of the people who had come in large numbers to witness him speak at the venue.&nbsp;“Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only,” Modi said, as quoted by the Statesman.“It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship,” he added as the crowd cheered and screamed.&nbsp;According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;

According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after landing in Netherlands for the second leg of his five-nation tour met the Indian Diaspora in Hague on Saturday (May 16). As he took the stage, he was welcomes by loud cheers by the huge crowd that gathered to hear him. As soon as he started his speech and praised the contribution of Indians living in the Netherlands and talked about their contribution in building a strong image of India abroad, the crowd turned emotional chanting and applauding the Prime Minister as he spoke. “Whenever I had a conversation with the leadership of the Netherlands, they always praised the Indian diaspora. Every Indian is proud of your contribution to the society and economy of the Netherlands,” said Modi addressing the Indian Diaspora. ALSO READ: NEET 2026: Another aspirant commits suicide after cancellation of exam over paper leak row He also hailed the energy of the people who had come in large numbers to witness him speak at the venue. “Seeing so much love and enthusiasm, I forgot for a moment that I am in the Netherlands, and it felt like I was attending a festival in India only,” Modi said, as quoted by the Statesman. “It seems like The Hague has become a living symbol of Indian friendship,” he added as the crowd cheered and screamed. According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to an official statement from the Government of the Netherlands, the visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and formalising a strategic partnership between the two countries.&nbsp;

PM Modi meets Indian diaspora in Hague, greeted by loud cheers and applause

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PM Modi extends OCI cards to sixth generation for Surinamese-Hindustani diaspora

PM Modi meets Indian diaspora in Hague, greeted by loud cheers and applause