The Indian diaspora in Delaware was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with chants of “Modi, Modi” echoing near Philadelphia International Airport and the Hotel Dupont. Community members gathered from across the nation, eager to meet their leader. This visit marks a significant occasion for many in the diaspora, who expressed their admiration for PM Modi.
Supporters highlighted their role as cultural ambassadors for India, with Dr. Avinash Gupta, president of the Federation of Indian Associations, underscoring the positive influence of Modi’s visit on US-India relations.
During PM Modi’s address to the Indian community at Nassau Coliseum in New York, he inspired the audience with themes of unity, pride, and hope. He remarked on the global influence of Indian culture, stating, “Our Namaste has gone multinational, from local to global.” He acknowledged the diaspora’s contributions, calling them “Rashtradoots” or ambassadors of the nation, and emphasized their role in connecting India and America.
PM Modi expressed that despite geographical distances, the Indian community remains deeply connected to their homeland, saying, “No sea can distance you from India.” He praised the unity in India’s diversity, noting the multitude of languages and faiths coexisting within the nation.
In a memorable moment, he humorously redefined AI, saying, “For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit.” He thanked the diaspora for their support and spoke fondly of his meeting with President Joe Biden, which he deemed an honor for all Indians.
Looking towards 2024, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the year as one of both conflict and democratic celebration. He proudly noted the recent Indian elections as the largest in history, with participation nearly double that of the US population.
PM Modi outlined his vision for India’s future, using the term “Pushp,” which means flower, to symbolize key ideals: ‘P’ for Progressive Bharat, ‘U’ for Unstoppable Bharat, ‘S’ for Spiritual Bharat, ‘H’ for Humanity, and ‘P’ for Prosperous. He emphasized that these five elements together will contribute to achieving a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi celebrated India’s achievements, stating that it has transformed into a global hub of opportunities, creating pathways across various sectors. He specifically mentioned the emphasis on women-led development, noting that millions of women have joined micro-entrepreneurship programs and are becoming pioneers in technology like drone piloting.
Additionally, he highlighted India’s technological advancements, asserting that the country’s 5G market has surpassed that of the US, with a focus on developing 6G technology. He confidently predicted that “made-in-India” chips would soon be seen in America.
PM Modi’s visit included a significant meeting with President Biden in Wilmington, where he expressed gratitude on behalf of the 1.4 billion Indians he represents. He noted the importance of the upcoming year in the context of global democracy, with India and the US at the forefront.
As preparations for Modi’s address commenced, security measures were heightened at Nassau Coliseum, with extensive collaborations between local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure safety. The venue was secured, featuring thorough screening processes for attendees, as well as patrols by bomb-sniffing dogs and mounted officers.
PM Modi’s three-day visit also features his participation in the Quad Summit with leaders from the US, Australia, and Japan, focusing on regional security and developmental goals in the Indo-Pacific region.
