WITH his posture that combines thoughtfulness and grace, India’s 14th Prime Minister Narendra Modi has impacted the United States during an ideas-filled hectic visit.
Modi, leader of the world’s fifth largest economy and most populous nation was given the rare privilege of addressing the US Congress, in addition to a State banquet and a media conference with President Joe Biden.
He also exchanged with thought leaders and generally charmed a country which has an Indian diaspora of four million, second in size only to the number of Mexican migrants.
The pomp and ceremony indicated the close ties between both democracies, the clout of India’s US $3.5 trillion economy, and the country’s strategic importance, especially sitting close to China.
Modi did not disappoint, as he spoke of common themes, including cooperation on telecommunications, artificial intelligence, aviation, defence and other sectors.
A US corporation is due to construct a massive semiconductor and test facility in India.
The Prime Minister noted India’s “remarkable journey” leading to its 75th year of independence, “after 1,000 years of foreign rule, in one form or the other.”
He hailed social empowerment, democracy, diversity, economic opportunities, youth and women’s advancement, care for the environment, and other matters.
He heralded the close ties between India and the US, such as American research and development centres in his country.
The PM noted, for example, that “when American phone makers invest in India, it creates an entire ecosystem of jobs and opportunities in both countries.”
Amid much pageantry, President Biden said the bond between the US and India “will be one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.”
The American leader spoke of tapping into “the full talent of all of our people, attracting investments as true and trusted partners, as leading nations, with the greatest export being the power of our example.”
Experts noted that Biden appreciates India as a critical partner in global geopolitics.
Analysts said that PM Modi’s visit marked “new heights” in ties between both democracies.
They acknowledged the Prime Minister’s huge popularity in his country and around the world.
A survey by Pew Research Centre revealed that Americans view India and Modi favourably, with some commenting that the country’s influence in the world has grown.
Modi has been the man of the moment in recent times, being described by Australian Prime Minister Albert Albanese as “a boss,” and charming other world leaders, including Papua New Guinea’s James Marape.
India’s current leadership of the G20 countries has given Modi even more influence, and he has been playing a pivotal role in seeking to end the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Countries around the world appreciate India’s growing economy, its technological and military capabilities and its counterbalance to China.
Commentators observed that the US-India relationship would be increasingly important in the midst of an ascendant China and the challenges of climate change, AI, supply chain matters, and other issues.
Modi told the US Congress: “I can relate to the battles of pressure, persuasion and policy.
“I can understand the debates of ideas and ideology.”
He proved that during his time on American soil.
