Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major step aimed at strengthening India’s ties with the Surinamese-Hindustani diaspora by extending Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility from the fourth generation to the sixth generation.
According to WION, the decision recognises the deep historical and cultural connection shared between India and the Surinamese-Hindustani community, whose migration history dates back more than 150 years.
The Surinamese-Hindustani community traces its roots to Indian indentured labourers who migrated to Suriname during the colonial period. Despite generations of separation from India, the community has continued to preserve many aspects of Indian culture, language, and traditions.
WION reported that one of the strongest symbols of this cultural continuity is Sarnami, a creole language influenced by Bhojpuri and Awadhi along with Dutch linguistic elements.
The language continues to be spoken within sections of the diaspora, including communities based in places such as The Hague.
Traditional cultural practices have also remained alive within the community. Folk music traditions such as Baithak Gana continue to hold cultural significance, while artists like fifth-generation singer Raj Mohan have helped popularise a distinctive Sarnami-Bhojpuri musical style through collaborations with Indian artists, including Anup Jalota.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the important role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between India and European nations.
"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."
According to WION, Modi also expressed appreciation towards the Dutch government and citizens for recognising and valuing the contributions made by the Indian-origin community to Dutch society and economy.
"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 Prime Minister said.
The announcement further strengthens India’s ongoing engagement with overseas Indian communities across the world. WION noted that several prominent members of the Surinamese-Hindustani diaspora have previously been honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for their contributions in various fields.
Among the award recipients are community leader Ram Lakhina (2009), Saleh Wahid (2011), former Deputy Mayor of The Hague Satnarainsing Rabin Baldew Singh (2014), and former Prime Minister of Curaçao Eugene Rhuggenaath, who received the honour in 2021.
The extension of OCI eligibility to the sixth generation is being viewed as a significant move in deepening India’s relationship with one of its oldest and most culturally connected overseas communities.
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