Modi pledges new consulates in US, celebrates diaspora’s role
Modi praises Indian diaspora, announces new consulates in Boston, Los Angeles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievements of the Indian diaspora, the credibility of Indian democracy, and the diversity and growing global influence of India. Speaking to around 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, he pledged to work with triple the energy, speed, and commitment in his third term. Modi announced the opening of new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, adding to the one in Seattle and increasing the total number of Indian consulates in the US to eight.
Modi reminisced about his past visits to the US and his long-standing connection with the Indian diaspora. He shared that before becoming a political leader, he had visited 29 US states, learning and asking questions. As Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister, he continued to engage with the diaspora. He highlighted his visits to cities like Madison Square, San Jose, Houston, Washington, and New York, each time receiving overwhelming support from the community.
Recognising the Indian diaspora as the strongest “brand ambassadors” for India, Modi praised their talent, skill, and commitment, emphasising their role in linking India and America. He underscored the intrinsic understanding of diversity among Indians, attributing it to India’s rich cultural fabric. Modi described India as a “viswabandhu,” or friend of the world, reflecting the country’s aspirational foreign policy.
मुझे आपको ये बताते हुए बहुत खुशी है कि… pic.twitter.com/B7eyYCjpQv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024
He referred to the recent T20 World Cup in the US, acknowledging the contribution of Indian Americans in the team. Modi introduced a new interpretation of AI as “American Indian” and “America India,” symbolising the strong India-US relationship.
Modi highlighted the significance of 2024, noting both global conflicts and celebrations of democracy. He mentioned the scale of India’s recent elections, the largest in human history, with participation from twice the American population and more than the entire population of Europe. He detailed the extensive electoral process involving a three-month polling period, a million polling stations, 2,500 political parties, 15 million poll workers, 8,000 candidates, numerous media channels, and millions of social media accounts.
The Prime Minister led the crowd in a chant, “Abki baar,” with supporters responding, “Modi sarkar,” signifying their support for his third term. He introduced the acronym “Pushp” standing for “progressive, unstoppable, spiritual, humanitarian first, prosperous” India. Modi also spoke of an “aspirational India” driven by millions who seek advanced infrastructure and world-class facilities. He cited the expansion of metro networks and airports from 2014 to the present as examples of India’s rapid development.
Thank you New York! These are glimpses from the memorable community programme. Grateful to all those who joined. @ModiandUS pic.twitter.com/2OokNwYTb2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024
Modi highlighted the transformation of development into a people’s movement in India, presenting the country as a land of opportunities. He emphasized India’s proactive approach in creating opportunities and lifting 250 million people out of poverty within a decade. The PM detailed India’s manufacturing successes, welfare schemes, financial inclusion, and governance achievements, along with its commendable environmental record despite minimal emissions.
Turning to foreign policy, Modi stressed India’s shift from equidistance to equiproximity. He noted that India’s statements on global platforms are now taken seriously, referencing his comment that “this is not the era of war.” He highlighted India’s role as a first responder in global crises, providing vaccines, medicines, and aid to numerous countries. Modi concluded by asserting that a strong and capable India will significantly contribute to global development, peace, climate action, innovations, and supply chains. He emphasised India’s ethos of sharing knowledge, caring for wealth, and using power for protection.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails Indian diaspora, commits to working with more energy and speed in his third term, and announces new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. (Read more)
- The Economic Times reports Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails the Indian diaspora in the US as ‘Rashtra Dhoot,’ emphasizing their role as the country’s strongest brand ambassadors. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Prime Minister Modi announce at the event in New York?
He announced the opening of two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles.
How did Modi describe the Indian diaspora during his speech?
He referred to them as India’s strongest ‘brand ambassadors’ and praised their talent, skill, and commitment.
What new acronym did Modi introduce for India in his third term?
He introduced ‘Pushp,’ which stands for ‘progressive, unstoppable, spiritual, humanitarian first, prosperous’ Bharat.
How did Modi highlight India’s democratic scale?
He noted that more than the entire population of Europe voted in India’s elections, showcasing its democratic scale.
What did Modi say about India’s approach to global crises?
He emphasized that India acts as the first responder in global crises, from sending vaccines to aiding during natural disasters.
