Conviction, not convenience, driving ties: Modi to diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his four-day visit to the US on Friday (local time) by addressing, what he called, a “mini-India” at a community event, where he hailed the contribution of the Indian-American diaspora, thanked President Joe Biden for his work in elevating India-US relations, outlined the new chapter in ties that began with his visit, and owned the progress in the bilateral relationship.

- Prashant Jha

WASHINGTON: “In this hall, you have, in a way, made a full map of India. You have come here from different parts of India. And it seems like a mini-India is here,” Modi said at the Reagan Centre in Washington DC on Friday evening eastern time. He said the love he got in the US was astonishing, crediting it to the diaspora’s work, behaviour, and contribution to America’s development.

He said over the three days that he spent with Biden, they discussed a range of issues. “He is a clear, experienced leader. He has personally made a lot of effort to elevate the India-US partnership. And I want to publicly praise his effort.”

Modi said that during his visit a new journey had begun in the India-US strategic partnership. “This new journey is about convergence on global strategic issues. It is about cooperation in make in India, make for the world. Be it cooperation on technology transfer and manufacturing or coordination on industrial supply chains, both countries are taking strong steps for a better future,” he said.

Modi specifically mentioned General Electric’s decision to produce jet engines in India (to loud applause and “Modi-Modi” chants) as a huge step for India’s defence sector. “With this agreement, America is not just sharing technology but mutual trust.” With the defence industrial cooperation, Modi said, ties will only deepen.