PM Modi delivers farewell speech to diaspora in US

The world is monitoring the closer ties between the two major democracies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, referring to India as the “Mother of democracy” and America as the “champion of advanced democracy.”

On June 23 (local time), PM Modi delivered these comments while participating in a “vibrant programme” of the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.

“India is the mother of democracy and America is the champion of advanced democracy. Today, the world is seeing the partnership between these two great democracies getting stronger,” said PM Modi in his address. The Prime Minister highlighted the contribution of the Indian diaspora to America’s development.

The Prime Minister thanked the Indian community for playing a significant role in strengthening India-US ties, and highlighted future areas of bilateral partnership.

India and the US have taken their partnership on a new journey in the last three days, PM Modi said noting that this is the journey of Make in India, Make for the world. He said both nations are taking strong steps towards a better future in the field of technology transfer, deepening manufacturing cooperation, or increasing coordination in the industrial supply chain

PM Modi urged the Indian diaspora to invest in the MSMEs and start-ups in India. “This is the best time to invest as much as possible in India. I urge you to take forward the possibilities with MSMEs and start-ups of India. Your skill, your technology and your expertise will be of great use in the growth of India,” he added.

“New modern National Education Policy has been implemented in India. Many of you hold important positions in American universities, some are researchers, some are academicians. You will make a great impression if you associate with your alma mater and other Indian educational institutions,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Modi then drew the diaspora’s attention to two very important developments taking place- Google’s AI Research Centre in India and the Tamil study chair being established at the University of Houston.

PM Modi said, “Google’s AI Research Centre in India will work on more than 100 Indian languages, this will make it easier for children in India whose mother tongue is not English, and secondly, with the help of the Government of India, a Tamil study chair has been established at the University of Houston here.”

In his address to the diaspora in Washington DC, PM Modi said that the partnership between India and the United States will make the world better in the 21st Century. He said the India-US partnership is driven by conviction and compassion and it is also a friendship that has bipartisan support.

Speaking about the potential of India-US defence industrial cooperation, the Prime Minister said, the decision to manufacture fighter jet engines by General Electric will prove to be a milestone in the journey of India’s defence sector.

He said several US companies like Google, Micron, Applied Materials, and others have announced they will make big investments in India which are going to create several employment opportunities in the country. PM Modi in his address said that this New India is turning its potential into performance.

“Attended a vibrant program celebrating our Indian diaspora. A heartfelt tribute to the strength, diversity and contribution of our overseas community. Their passion is our pride,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharing glimpses of the Indian diaspora event in Washington.

After his interaction with the Indian diaspora, PM Modi enplaned for his two-day Egypt tour.