PM Modi Addresses Indian Diaspora in New York, Highlights India's Growing Global Role

Narendra Modi hails Indian diaspora, India's growing role

Long Island, New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the rise of Indian diaspora, the credibility of Indian democracy, the scale of India's diversity, the growing influence of India globally, the developmental leaps in India internally, and promised to work with three times more energy, speed and commitment in his third term in office. Addressing close to 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island in New York, Modi also announced that India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, a year after the opening of a consulate in Seattle. The announcement will take the number of Indian consulates to eight in the US, besides the embassy in DC. Modi began by recalling his long association with the US and the Indian diaspora. "When I was not a PM or CM or a leader, I used to come here as someone wanting to learn. I used to come with many questions. When I was not in any position, I had already travelled to 29 states in US. Then when I became CM, through technology, I continued connecting with you. As PM, I got tremendous love from you. In 2014, Madison Square; in 2015, San Jose; in 2019, Houston; in 2023, Washington and now in 2024, New York, each time you break the last record," Modi said, referring to his visits as PM to cities where he has engaged with the diaspora. He said he understood the role and importance of the Indian diaspora and saw them as the strongest "brand ambassadors" for India. When he referred to them as the nation's ambassadors, the crowd responded with chants of "Modi, Modi". "You have connected America with India and India with America. Your talent, skill and commitment has no competition. You may have come across seven seas but there is no ocean that is deep enough that can keep India afar from you. We can never forget what India has taught us." Modi said that Indians understood diversity, lived it, and this was in the culture and blood of Indians, for India was a land of multiple traditions, religions, languages, yet Indians were one. These values made India a "viswabandhu", a friend of the world, the PM said, using a term that is increasingly becoming a part of India's aspirational foreign policy lexicon. The PM talked about the recent T20 World Cup held in the US, and referred to the contribution of the Indian Americans in the team. "For the world, AI is Artificial Intelligence. But I believe AI is American Indian..America India..And that is the power of the world. This AI spirit is giving the India-US relationship a new height. I salute the Indian diaspora." Modi said 2024 was a huge year for the whole world since on one hand, there was a war between various countries and, on the other hand, there is a celebration of democracies in many countries. "India and US are together in this festival of democracies. US is about to hold elections and India has just held elections." At a time when there have been questions about Indian democracy's health in the US, Modi pointed out that the elections were the largest in human history. "Can you imagine that twice the entire American population, more than the whole population of Europe voted in India? When we see the scale of Indian democracy, there is even greater pride." Modi spoke about the three month long polling process, a million polling stations, 2,500 political parties, 15 million poll workers, 8,000 candidates, scores of television channels, newspapers and radios and millions of social media accounts as elements that make Indian democracy vibrant. "Our electoral process goes through this level of scrutiny. This time, in India, there was something unprecedented that happened. What happened?" Modi asked. He then led the crowd and said, "Abki baar", as supporters responded with, "Modi sarkar". Modi said that in the third term, India had to move with three times more energy and at times more the pace. He then used a new acronym -- "Pushp" -- and defined it as "progressive, unstoppable, spiritual, humanitarian first, prosperous" Bharat. Modi also spoke of an "aspirational India" as another AI. "Millions of Indians are driving India's growth..They don't just want roads, but expressways; not just rails but high speed rail; every city expects a metro and an airport; every citizen and village and city wants the best facilities of the world." In 2014, Modi said, five Indian cities had metro, now 23 cities had a metro network and India had the second largest metro network in the world. In 2014, 70 cities had airports, while now 140 cities had a metro. He gave similar examples in other sectors. "Development has become a people's movement in India. India is a land of opportunities today. And India doesn't wait for opportunities. It constructs opportunities. In every sector, India has prepared the launching pad in every sector. In a decade, India has lifted 250 million from poverty," the PM said. Modi spoke about India's manufacturing successes and plans, the welfare schemes that have made people's lives easier, the financial inclusion that has connected citizens to the economy, and other governance achievements. He also pointed to India's environmental record even though India had no role in "ruining the world" with negligible emissions. Modi then turned to foreign policy and reiterated that from working on a policy on equidistance, India was now working on a policy of equiproximity. "When India says something on a global platform, the world listens. Sometime ago, when I said this is not the era of war, people understood the importance of it. When there is a crisis in the world, India comes across as the first responder. India sent vaccines and medicines to 150 countries. From earthquakes to cyclones to civil wars, we are the first to help. This is the legacy of ancestors. This is our culture." Modi said that a strong and capable India will play a key role in "global development, global peace, global climate action, global innovations, global supply chains". But he also sought to project a distinctive story of India's rise, "For India, strength and capability means that knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, power is for protecting."

'5 petals of 'PUSHP' will make Viksit Bharat': PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in New York - Times of India

The Indian diaspora in Delaware abuzzed with excitement as they welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chants of "Modi, Modi" filled the air near the Philadelphia International Airport and the Hotel Dupont as community members gathered from across the US to meet the Indian leader. PM Modi's arrival marks a significant moment for the diaspora, many of whom expressed their admiration and anticipation."We live in the US as the cultural ambassadors of PM Modi ji...We want to make India proud by following his guidance," a supporter shared outside the airport. Dr Avinash Gupta, president of the federation of Indian associations, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact of Modi's visit on US-India relations. Key takeaways from PM Modi's address Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM PM Modi captivated the audience with messages of unity, pride, and optimism. He began by acknowledging the global reach of Indian culture, stating: "'Ab apna Namaste bhi multinational ho gya hai, local se global ho gya'" (Our Namaste has gone multinational, from local to global). In a heartfelt acknowledgment of the diaspora's contribution, PM Modi said: "Your love is my good fortune... I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora. I understood it even when I held no official position...For me, you all have been strong brand ambassadors of India. This is why I call you 'Rashtradoot' (ambassadors of the nation)." He praised the diaspora's role in strengthening ties between India and the US, saying, "You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched." PM Modi further emphasized the deep connection the Indian community maintains with their homeland: "You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins." PM Modi underscored India's unity in diversity, saying: "We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world, and yet we are moving forward united." In one of the standout moments of the speech, PM Modi humorously redefined the term AI: "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world." He went on to say: "I salute the Indian diaspora here." Reflecting on his meeting with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi shared, "US President Joe Biden invited me to his home, this was an honour for 140 crore Indians. Wherever I go in the world, every leader praises the Indian diaspora. Yesterday, President Biden took me to his home, in Delaware. His affection was a heart-touching moment for me. That honour is of 140 crore Indians, this honour is yours, and of lakhs of Indians living here. I am grateful to President Biden and you people." Looking ahead to the year 2024, PM Modi remarked, "This year of 2024 is important for the entire world. On one side there is conflict and struggle between some countries, on the other side, democracy is being celebrated in many countries. India and America are together in this celebration of democracy." He reflected on India's recent elections, noting: "The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections held so far in human history. We had almost double the number of voters than the total population of America. When we see this scale of Indian democracy we feel even more proud." PM Modi also spoke about his vision for India's future, saying, "You may remember this word 'Pushp' which means flower, I define it as 'P' for progressive Bharat, 'U' for unstoppable Bharat, 'S' for spiritual Bharat, 'H' for humanity first which India has dedicated itself to and 'P' for prosperous India...All five petals of 'Pushp' or the flower which will make Viksit Bharat (developed India)." In a reflection on the mandate his government has received, PM Modi said, "After a long process of election, this time something unprecedented has happened in India... For the third consecutive time, our government has returned to power. Such a thing didn't happen in the last 60 years. This mandate of the people of India has great importance. In this third term, we have to achieve big targets." He concluded his speech with a message of service to the nation: "We could not contribute in the fight for Swaraj as we were born after 1947, but I have pledged my whole life for Suraj. We could not die for the country but we must live for it." Strengthening US-India relations During his visit, PM Modi met with US President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, an invitation he said honored the 140 crore Indians he represents. He also highlighted the broader importance of 2024, noting it is a year of both conflict and democratic celebration worldwide, with India and the US at the forefront of this democratic spirit. Modi's speech reflected on India's recent elections, celebrating them as the largest in human history, with nearly twice the number of voters as the total population of the US. Security tightened for New York rally In anticipation of Modi's address, security was significantly ramped up at Nassau Coliseum. Local, state, and federal law enforcement collaborated to ensure the Prime Minister's safety, with extensive screening processes in place for attendees. The venue was fenced off, and entry points were heavily guarded. Bomb-sniffing dogs and mounted officers patrolled the area as law enforcement ensured that potential protestors remained far from the event site. PM Modi's three-day US visit also includes participation in the Quad Summit alongside leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan, where they will focus on regional security and development goals in the Indo-Pacific. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."