Modi celebrates his return to power at U.S. diaspora event

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi speaks at an event in Uniondale, N.Y. on September 22, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

Addressing thousands of his supporters in Long Island, New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (September 22, 2024) talked up his general election performance, highlighted the government’s achievements in the past 10 years and the plans for the future, as he repeatedly praised the Indian diaspora.

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In an election victory-like speech, Mr. Modi defended and celebrated the poll outcome in which the BJP’s majority was significantly reduced. The Prime Minister rhetorically asked the crowd about the NDA getting elected for a third term, repeatedly, “Kya hua hai? (What happened?), Abki baar? (What next?)”, as the crowd confirmed he had won.

The Prime Minister said he had very big ambitions for his third term and needed to move forward with three times the speed and strength.

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He talked about freedom of expression in the recent elections being under scrutiny as he praised Indian democracy and diversity, its multiplicity of political parties and social media accounts.

The Prime Minister’s remarks were made during a “community event” at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island on the second day of his visit to the United States. These rallies, which have become key signature events on his foreign trips, are used to connect with the Indian diaspora who are influential in U.S. industry and, increasingly, in its politics.

Mr. Modi praised the diaspora, calling the talent and skills found in it “unparalleled”.

“I have always understood the capabilities of the Indian diaspora,” Mr. Modi said, calling Indians abroad ambassadors of the country.

The Prime Minister listed the government’s achievements since 2014, citing examples such as airport and metro systems, broadband services and poverty reduction. He highlighted India’s digitisation and emphasised its environmental consciousness, while noting that it had not historically been a major contributor to climate change.

Mr. Modi said that while earlier India had a foreign policy of being equidistant from other countries, today it was keeping equally close to other countries.

“We are also a strong voice of the Global South,” he said. The Prime Minister said the world listened when India spoke at global platforms, as he cited his interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022, when he said, “ This is not the era of war”.

Prior to Mr. Modi’s arrival, there were a number of classical, fusion and folk performances, some to reflect the melding of Indian and American nationalism and cultures, such as a fusion rendition of America the Beautiful and Vande Mataram.

Some well-known artistes and social media personalities, such as the rapper Hanumankind, were among those who performed at the event.

A small group of protesters, some of them carrying Khalistan flags, were seen outside the perimeter of the arena.

While thousands of Mr. Modi’s fans turned up (over 13,000 as per the organisers), the stadium was not full. Mr. Modi had suggested during the speech that not all who wanted to attend could do so for lack of space.

Sunday’s event, called ‘Modi & US’ was organised by Indian American Community U.S. ( IACU), a non-profit that also describes itself as non-partisan. “I love his [Mr. Modi’s] consistency in keeping in touch with the diaspora,” M.R. Rangaswami, founder of diaspora organisation Indiaspora told The Hindu ahead of the event. Mr Rangaswami highlighted the role of the diaspora as a “force for good” and a “force for helping the U.S.-India relationship”.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a roundtable discussion with CEOs in New York City later.