Thanking the community for turning up in large numbers, Modi said, “In a way, you have charted out the full map of India in this hall. I can see people from all corners of India here. It seems that a mini India has turned up. I have received unprecedented love and affection during my stay in the US.”
During the course of the speech, PM Modi also referenced the US State Department‘s plan for those coming to the US on a H-1B visas and stated that it would now be renewed in the US without having to travel abroad. He said, “America’s new consulates will be opened in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.”
Both countries are taking strong steps for a better future, said the prime minister at the community address, which was the last programme of Modi in the US.
Here are the key quotes from PM Modi’s speech:
- “The credit for all the love and attention I am getting in the US goes to the Indian diaspora”
- “India-US partnership is about making the world in 21st century better again”
- “A new journey has started in India-US ties in the last three days”
- “Defence deals will cement the partnership between India and the US”
- “Together we are not just forming policies and agreements, we are shaping lives, dreams and destinies”
- “The biggest reason for India’s progress today is the self confidence of 140 crore Indians”
- “Today’s new India is confident about itself, it is changing potential into performance”
- “The digital transformation that India has undergone in the last few years will surprise you”
- “You have played a key role in America’s progress. Now I urge you to encourage our young entrepreneurs and contribute to India’s growth story”
- “I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for honouring our sentiments”
- “India is mother of democracy, US champion of modern democracy; the world is watching the strengthening ties of two great democracies.”
As he ended his address, PM Modi asserted that the India-US partnership will be beneficial in the 21st century. “You all play a crucial role in this partnership…. meeting you all is like having a sweet dish after a meal.,” he said.The event scheduled for two hours began a little after 7 pm on June 23 (US time). The diaspora reception was hosted by the United States Indian Community Foundation (USICF).
The two countries have seen convergence on global issues and their growing ties will be a boost for “make in India and make for world” efforts, he said, referring to agreements on technology transfer, boosting manufacturing and strengthening industrial supply chain.
PM Modi will now fly to Egypt on a State Visit at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
