Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Indian diaspora in the US on Sunday for being the country's brand ambassador and for their role in strengthening India-US relations. Modi was addressing the over 13,000 Indian-Americans during the 'Modi and the US' event held at Nassau Veterans Coliseum on Long Island in New York.
He hailed the members of the Indian diaspora for their skill, talent and commitment. "Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi said, adding how they have connected India with America and America with India.
Here are the excerpts from the Prime Minister's speech.
1) Modi spoke about his re-election, stating that 'Abkibaar Modi Sarkaar' happened. "For the first time in 60 years, the people of India have given a mandate which has great significance. During my third term, I have very ambitious goals to achieve. We have to move forward with three times the strength," he told the crowd.
2) He hailed the Indian American diaspora for keeping up the tradition of 'Vasudaiva Kudumbakam'. He said 'Apna Namaste' has gone global due to the Indian diaspora who understood diversity and implemented it in their lives.
3) The Prime Minister called India a land of opportunities, which was made possible because the country changed the old way of thinking. "We changed our approach. We empowered the poor. It is this new middle class, which is accelerating the development of India," he said.
4) Modi also recalled visiting the US before he became the Gujarat Chief Minister or an elected representative,
5) He referred to the digitisation happening in India and its semiconductor ambitions. "No one can stop India now. India wants to have maximum mobile devices on 'Made in India' chips," he said.
6) The PM also praised the warm welcome he received from President Joe Biden at this residence in Delaware. "Just yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware. His affection, his warmth, it was a moment that touched my heart. This respect is for the 140 billion Indians. This respect is for you, for your achievements, for the hundreds and thousands of Indians living here, he said.
7) He mentioned India's bid for the Olympics in 2036 and the recently concluded T-20 World Cup in the United States.
8) He made a quirky reference to India's AI bid, stating "for the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit."
9) The Prime Minister also announced that India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, meeting the long-pending demand of the fast-growing Indian American community in these two large American cities.
10) He spoke about India's vaccine diplomacy, about how India has come forward as a first responder whenever there was a disaster. He said India's goal was not to increase its global influence but to play a part in its prosperity.