From Local to Global: PM Modi Hails American-Indians (AI) as India’s Ambassadors

NEW YORK: In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new lexicon, AI denotes American Indians – a vibrant well-heeled Indian community of nearly 5 million people who have made America their home, but stay connected to their roots. American-Indians are “Rashtra Doot” (ambassadors of the nation), PM Modi told them in his address at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, triggering rapturous applause from the audience. In more than an hour-long address, PM Modi was at his oratorical best, dazzling Indian-Americans with his first-hand stories of India’s ongoing transformation and the country’s emergence on the global stage

Speaking at Nassau County on Long Island, PM Modi celebrated the transformation of India’s global standing and hailed the Indian diaspora as the “strongest brand ambassadors” of the nation. He emphasized that India, much like the diaspora itself, has moved from being local to global, with the Indian community playing a key role in connecting both nations.

Indian Diaspora: The Nation’s Envoys

PM Modi’s speech focused on the growing importance of India’s partnership with America. He referred to the Indian diaspora as “nation’s envoys,” highlighting their efforts in linking the two countries culturally and economically. “You have connected America to India and India to America,” Modi said, adding that the love and dedication of the diaspora towards India, despite living oceans away, has been unparalleled.

Celebrating India’s Diversity and Strength

One of the key themes of Modi’s speech was the strength of Indian values and diversity, which he said gives India its unique place on the global stage. “We come from a land where hundreds of languages and dialects exist, and yet, we stand united,” PM Modi stated, addressing the multilingual and multicultural crowd. He pointed out that this inherent diversity allows Indians to adapt and integrate seamlessly into societies around the world, contributing significantly in areas like technology, medicine, research, and education. He particularly acknowledged the role of the diaspora in enhancing India’s image abroad through their professional achievements.

India’s Technological and Economic Leap

PM Modi also touched upon India’s growing prowess in technology and innovation, using the example of India’s expanding role in the global 5G market. “India’s 5G market is now bigger than that of the United States,” he remarked, attributing this to India’s focus on affordable data, indigenous mobile phone manufacturing, and fostering technological innovations. He emphasized that the country is already working on “Made in India” 6G technology, reflecting the nation’s ambition to lead in the tech space.

Another highlight of PM Modi’s address was the transformation of India’s economy over the past decade. Modi proudly declared that in just ten years, India has risen from being the world’s 10th largest economy to the 5th largest. “Now, every Indian dreams of making India the 3rd largest economy soon,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience. He credited this economic rise to structural changes that empowered the poor, improved access to essential services like banking and healthcare, and boosted entrepreneurship, particularly among women.

Women-Led Development

PM Modi took time to spotlight the significant role women are playing in India’s development. He made it clear that the government’s focus was not just on women’s welfare but on empowering them to drive the nation’s progress. “We are also focused on women-led development,” Modi remarked, explaining how millions of rural women have been included in the government’s micro-entrepreneurship schemes.

“In agriculture, we are using technology. For farming, we are using drones, but what is new is that those responsible for it are the rural women in India. We are making thousands of women drone pilots,” PM Modi said. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, recognizing this as a significant shift in both gender roles and technological adoption.

Suraaj Over Swaraj

A poignant moment in PM Modi’s speech was his reflection on his own journey in public service. In a heartfelt tribute to India’s freedom fighters, he said, “I couldn’t fight for Swaraj, but I dedicate my life to Suraaj” — a phrase that summed up his personal mission of good governance. PM Modi shared with the audience how his career path was unexpected: “I never anticipated becoming a chief minister, yet I ended up serving as the longest-serving CM of Gujarat.”

His narrative of political ascent, from a chief minister to the Prime Minister of India, illustrated the unpredictable yet destiny-driven nature of his career. “Later, the people elevated me to the position of prime minister,” he added. Modi’s remarks suggested that his governance model is grounded in practical experience, gained from his years traveling the country and listening to the voices of ordinary Indians.

PM Modi also alluded to the unprecedented mandate he received in the 2024 elections, which marked his third consecutive term in office. “After a long process of election, this time something unprecedented has happened in India… For the third consecutive time, our government has returned to power,” he noted, calling the mandate a clear expression of the people’s trust in his leadership. He emphasized that in this third term, his responsibilities have only multiplied, saying, “In my third term, I am moving ahead with three times more responsibility.”

Diaspora as ‘Rashtra Doot’

Throughout his speech, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep gratitude toward the Indian diaspora, calling them “India’s strongest brand ambassadors.” He referred to them as “Rashtra Doot” (ambassadors of the nation), recognizing their role in building bridges between India and the rest of the world, particularly the United States.

“Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition,” Modi told the diaspora, emphasizing the pride he takes in their accomplishments. He pointed out that, despite living far from India, their connection to the homeland remains strong. “You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India,” he said, adding that India’s values of diversity and unity are embodied by its diaspora.

The diaspora’s role in strengthening ties between India and the United States was a recurring theme in the speech. Modi shared a personal anecdote about his recent meeting with President Joe Biden at his home in Delaware. “US President Joe Biden invited me to his home, this was an honor for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, noting that Biden’s hospitality reflected the strong bonds between the two nations.

Personal US Connection

PM Modi’s speech was peppered with anecdotes and personal reflections, adding a personal touch to the otherwise policy-focused address. He recalled his early visits to the US, before he became the Prime Minister, as a curious observer keen to learn about American society. He shared memories of traveling across 29 states in the US and how this experience helped him build a deep understanding of the country. “Even before I held any official position, I understood the strength of the Indian diaspora,” he said, referring to the connection he has built with the community over decades.

Climate Action

PM Modi also spoke about India’s leadership in the fight against climate change, stating that despite accounting for only 4% of global carbon emissions, India has taken bold steps toward a green energy transition. He highlighted India’s investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy as part of the country’s commitment to sustainable growth. Modi noted that India was among the first countries to meet the Paris Climate goals and is on track to become a global hub for green technologies and jobs.

Global Cooperation

In closing, PM Modi encouraged the diaspora to continue promoting India’s culture and values, particularly highlighting the “Mission LiFE” initiative, which focuses on sustainable living. He urged the Indian community in the US to support this mission and continue contributing to India’s growth from abroad. “India is now a land of opportunities,” PM Modi concluded, expressing his confidence that the partnership between India and the US would only grow stronger in the coming years.

The Path Ahead

PM Modi’s speech in New York was a resounding affirmation of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. From technological advances and women-led development to the strengthening of US-India ties, Modi presented a vision of a confident and progressive India. He concluded his address with a call to action for the Indian diaspora and citizens alike: “We could not contribute to the fight for Swaraj, but we must live for the country and contribute to Suraaj.”

The speech resonated deeply with the Indian diaspora in attendance, who greeted Modi with chants of “Modi, Modi!” as he outlined his plans for India’s future—a future that promises progress, unity, and global leadership. As Modi himself remarked, “India is not going to stop now.” His words, much like the policies they reflect, are a testament to India’s resolve to reach new heights on the global stage.

The enthusiastic crowd responded with cheers, making it clear that Modi’s words had resonated deeply. His message was clear: India is rising, and its diaspora is a key part of that journey.

(Ananya Singh contributed inputs for this article)

Author Profile

Manish Chand

Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.