By Prashant Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 23, showcased India’s expertise in eradicating poverty and bridging the digital divide. While addressing the UN, PM Modi stated, "This commitment is also reflected in our initiatives such as One Earth, One Health and One Sun, One World, One Grid. India will continue to work in thought, words, and deeds to protect the rights of all humanity and promote global prosperity." He emphasized that India is ready to share its digital public infrastructure with the world.

On September 22, at a historic reception organized by the Indian diaspora, Modi captivated over 15,000 Indian Americans who gathered from 42 states to welcome their beloved Prime Minister at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, with his compelling speech and charismatic simplicity.

Greeting the diaspora, Modi remarked, “Now apna ‘Namoskar’ has become multinational. It has gone from local to global, and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in their heart has contributed to this.” He praised the community for upholding the tradition of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the World is One Family.”

"I salute you all, the Indian diaspora. Wherever I go in the world, I hear praise for the Indian community from every leader. President Biden, on September 21, invited me to his home in Delaware, and his warmth and hospitality touched my heart. This honor belongs to 1.4 billion Indians; it's your honor, your achievement, and the honor of millions of Indians living here. I express my gratitude to President Biden and to all of you," PM Modi said.

Defining ‘Pushp,’ PM Modi stated, “I define it as 'P' for Progressive Bharat, 'U' for Unstoppable Bharat, 'S' for Spiritual Bharat, 'H' for Humanity first, which India has dedicated itself to, and 'P' for Prosperous India... All five petals of 'Pushp' will help create a Viksit Bharat."

Modi highlighted India's growing stature on the global platform, asserting, "The world listens when India speaks. Some time ago, when I said that this is not the era of war, its severity was understood by all..." By providing a platform for world leaders to unite and speak with one voice, India demonstrated its commitment to fostering cooperation and driving positive change. He stated that for India, power and potency mean, "Knowledge is for sharing, wealth is for caring, power is for protecting."

PM Modi expressed that India is no longer lagging behind; it creates new systems and leads. "In a decade, India has ascended from the 10th to the 5th largest economy. Now every Indian aspires for India to soon become the 3rd largest economy. Today, India is a land of opportunities. We no longer wait for opportunities; we create them," he added.

With his oratorical flair, PM Modi declared: "Hum aag ki tarah jalaane waale nahin, Suraj ki kiran ki tarah roshani dene waale hain." (We do not want to burn like fire; we want to shine like the sun's rays.) "We don’t seek supremacy in the world, but rather aim to enhance cooperation for global prosperity."

"Today, India is one of the youngest countries in the world, filled with energy and dreams. Every day, we are breaking new records. Today, India has won gold in the Chess Olympiad (Men and Women) for the first time in a century. Our entire country is proud of our chess players," Modi stated.

Addressing the diaspora at the Modi & US event, he said, “For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means the American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world.... I salute the Indian diaspora here."

Modi emphasized, "I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest brand ambassador for me. That’s why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot' (Ambassadors of the Nation)."

Speaking on the diversity of India, PM Modi remarked, "We are residents of a country where there are hundreds of languages and dialects, encompassing all the religions and sects of the world. Yet, we are moving ahead united and noble. This is our greatest strength in connecting with the world. These values naturally bind us to the world."

Praising the Indian diaspora for their talent and skills, he stated that they connect India to America. "You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unparalleled. You may have crossed seven seas, but no sea is deep enough to distance you from India. What Ma Bharati (Mother India) has taught us, we can never forget. Wherever we go, we embrace everyone as family. Understanding diversity and living it is in our veins," PM Modi said.

In an emotional tone, he remarked, "I am the first Prime Minister of India born after Independence. Crores of Indians dedicated their lives to the Independence movement... We couldn't die for India, but we can live for the country..."

Earlier, on September 21, at the Quad summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, Quad leaders – Joe Biden, PM Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio – announced several initiatives to address the development priorities of the Indo-Pacific region and the global community.

These include the 'Quad Cancer Moonshot,' a groundbreaking partnership aimed at combating cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. Another initiative announced was the 'Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific' (MAITRI), designed to enable Indo-Pacific partners to maximize tools provided through the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). This aims to support the concept of open science for space-based monitoring of extreme weather events and climate impact.

Quad leaders also announced the 'Quad Principles for Development and Deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure' in the region and beyond, along with a "Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation" to enhance the resilience of Quad's semiconductor supply chains.

During his address to the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM Modi described the grouping, comprising Australia, India, the US, and Japan, as "Quick Unified Assistance Delivery," affirming that this regional body "is here to stay." The Quad governments expressed their intention to work with their respective legislatures to deepen interparliamentary exchanges and encourage other stakeholders to engage more with Quad counterparts.

US members of Congress announced the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Quad Caucus. In the coming months, Quad Commerce and Industry ministers will meet for the first time.

In summary, PM Modi's 3-day visit to the USA unveiled a vision of India that captivates world leaders, lawmakers, and the Indian diaspora alike.

(With input from ANI)