The Indian American community, which has distinguished itself across various fields
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a vibrant gathering of over 15,000 members of the Indian community in Long Island, New York, as part of his three-day visit to the United States. The Prime Minister, welcomed with unparalleled enthusiasm, underscored the vital role the Indian American community plays in strengthening the bonds between India and the United States.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the long-standing partnership between the world's two largest democracies, acknowledging that the Indian diaspora in the U.S. serves as a crucial bridge, fostering cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. He remarked that the warmth he has received during the visit reflects the strong foundation that the Indian community has built in the United States. This foundation is now a bridge of trust between the two nations, he said, referencing his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at his home in Greenville, Delaware, just a day earlier.
In a significant development on the first day of his visit, During his visit, 297 Indian antiquities were handed over by the US, furthering the commitment to both development (Vikas) and preserving heritage (Virasat).
One of the central themes of PM Modi’s address was his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Indian electorate, calling his re-election for a historic third term the outcome of the world’s largest democratic exercise.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the long-standing partnership between the world's two largest democracies, acknowledging that the Indian diaspora in the U.S. serves as a crucial bridge, fostering cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. He remarked that the warmth he has received during the visit reflects the strong foundation that the Indian community has built in the United States. This foundation is now a bridge of trust between the two nations, he said, referencing his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at his home in Greenville, Delaware, just a day earlier.
In a significant development on the first day of his visit, During his visit, 297 Indian antiquities were handed over by the US, furthering the commitment to both development (Vikas) and preserving heritage (Virasat).
One of the central themes of PM Modi’s address was his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Indian electorate, calling his re-election for a historic third term the outcome of the world’s largest democratic exercise.
He emphasized that his government remains deeply committed to ushering India into an era of unparalleled growth and transformation.
Reflecting on the achievements of the past decade, he remarked, “India has pulled 250 million people out of poverty, constructed next-generation infrastructure, and gone from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest. Now, our sights are set on becoming the world’s third-largest economy.” He lauded the government's reforms, which are aimed at ensuring that the aspirations of the Indian people continue to drive its progress.
Economic Reforms, Digital Growth, and Women-led Development
Prime Minister Modi’s speech was forward-looking as he outlined the transformative changes taking place in India. He spoke about the new energy permeating the country, driven by innovation, digital empowerment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. The Prime Minister emphasized that this vibrancy was fostering a flourishing ecosystem of startups, which is placing India at the forefront of global technology and economic growth.
He highlighted the contributions of women-led development in India’s transformation, stating that women were driving change across various sectors, and their leadership was crucial for sustainable, inclusive growth. The Prime Minister also touched upon India’s commitment to a green transition, pointing to efforts at both government and grassroots levels to tackle climate change and promote renewable energy.
PM Modi proudly pointed out that India’s role in the world has expanded considerably in recent years. “Today, India is a major contributor to global growth, prosperity, peace, and security. Whether it’s innovation, climate action, or filling global skill gaps, India’s voice resonates stronger than ever on the global stage,” he said, underscoring India’s importance in international supply and value chains.
During his remarks, he announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in the United States — in Boston and Los Angeles. Additionally, he revealed the establishment of a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies at the University of Houston, further strengthening academic and cultural ties between India and the United States. These initiatives, he explained, would enhance the “living bridge” that connects the two countries through the Indian diaspora.
Important Engagements During PM Modi’s US Visit
PM Modi’s visit to the US comes at a pivotal moment, marking his first trip to the country since winning a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His visit, spanning from September 21 to September 23, includes significant diplomatic engagements, notably the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware, which was hosted by US President Joe Biden. The summit brought together the leaders of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia to discuss regional security, peace, and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Modi held separate bilateral meetings with US President Biden, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, and Australian PM Anthony Albanese .
On September 23, Prime Minister Modi will deliver a key address at the United Nations' 'Summit of the Future,' where he is expected to articulate India’s vision for global governance reforms, climate action, and sustainable development.
During his stay, PM Modi also engaged in high-level talks with US tech industry leaders, underscoring the importance of technology in India’s future growth and global leadership. He expressed optimism about the deepening cooperation between Indian and American companies, particularly in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy, which are essential to both countries' strategic interests.
A Strengthened Bond Between India and Its Diaspora
As his US visit continues to unfold, Prime Minister Modi's outreach to the Indian diaspora remains a highlight. The Indian American community, which has distinguished itself across various fields, is viewed as an integral part of India’s soft power on the global stage. During his address, he expressed hope that the diaspora would continue to play a key role in fostering stronger ties between India and the US. He commended their achievements and urged them to keep contributing to both nations’ growth and progress.
The Prime Minister's visit symbolizes the strengthening relationship between India and the United States. His engagements, especially at the Quad Leaders’ Summit and the United Nations, are expected to shape future collaborations, reinforce India’s growing global influence, and bring the two democracies closer in their pursuit of shared objectives.
As the Prime Minister continues his US tour, the eyes of the world remain fixed on India’s expanding role on the international stage, and on how this visit will further solidify the partnership between two of the world’s largest democracies.