Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second day in the United States was marked by major diplomatic engagements, business commitments, and a vibrant address to the Indian diaspora. From announcing significant investments in the semiconductor industry to laying out plans for new consulates, Day 2 was packed with events that underscored India’s growing global influence. Here’s a detailed look at the highlights from PM Modi’s second day of his US tour.
Address to Indian Diaspora: Strengthening Cultural and Economic Ties
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the grand ‘Modi & US’ community event, held at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York. Addressing a crowd of over 13,000 Indian-Americans, PM Modi lauded the Indian diaspora for their role in strengthening the US-India relationship. He referred to them as “brand ambassadors” of India, crediting their contributions for the flourishing ties between the two nations.
Modi’s speech delved into his vision for India’s future, emphasizing the importance of the country’s youth and their aspirations. He introduced the ‘PUSHP’ blueprint, a key framework for realizing a developed India, which stands for Progressive, Unstoppable, Skilled and Spiritual, Humanity First, and Prosperous. He noted that India is making rapid strides in economic growth, having already moved from the tenth to the fifth-largest economy in the world. The prime minister further expressed confidence that India would soon rank among the top three economies globally.
Modi also showcased India’s technological advancements, highlighting the country’s rapid progress in the digital sector. He proudly mentioned that India had surpassed the US in 5G network expansion within just two years and is already preparing to launch a 6G network. His ‘Make in India’ initiative took center stage as he announced that Indian-made semiconductors would soon be a reality, promising a larger global footprint for Indian technology.
In a lighter moment, PM Modi played with the acronym AI, saying that while the world sees AI as artificial intelligence, for him, AI stands for “America-India spirit.” The enthusiastic crowd cheered as he concluded his speech with a significant announcement—the opening of two new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles. This move, aimed at improving diplomatic and administrative support for the Indian diaspora in the US, follows the operationalization of a new consulate in Seattle, as announced last year.
Bilateral Engagements: Fostering Global Partnerships
The day wasn’t just about grand events. Modi also engaged in several key bilateral meetings with world leaders who had gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. His meeting with Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was particularly noteworthy, as both leaders discussed their countries’ longstanding ties. Modi expressed his intention to visit Nepal soon, with Oli characterizing the talks as “positive.”
In another critical meeting, Modi held discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This interaction underscored India’s commitment to global peace, with Modi expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has persisted for nearly a year. Modi reiterated India’s support for an early resolution to the conflict and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine. His focus on peace in the region highlighted India’s active role in promoting stability in international affairs.
PM Modi also met with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. While details of this meeting were limited, it underscored India’s diplomatic outreach to key partners in the Middle East, a region crucial to India’s energy security and trade interests.
Roundtable with Top Tech CEOs: Accelerating India’s Digital Future
Later in the day, PM Modi participated in a high-profile roundtable discussion with leading CEOs from the tech industry at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. This event brought together heads of top firms, including Google’s Sundar Pichai, Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen, and NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, among others. These companies represent the cutting edge of technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
Modi used this opportunity to reinforce his government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for technology and manufacturing. He urged the executives to take advantage of India’s burgeoning economy and its emphasis on innovation, suggesting that the future of technological growth lies in co-developing, co-designing, and co-producing in India. Modi’s pitch was clear: India offers immense opportunities, and global companies should harness this potential for mutual benefit.
A key focus of the discussion was India’s ambitious push in the semiconductor sector. Modi announced that India would invest $15 billion in semiconductor manufacturing, a critical move aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imports and boosting its domestic industry. This investment, Modi emphasized, would be a cornerstone of India’s economic growth and its positioning as a leader in cutting-edge technologies.
In addition to semiconductors, Modi highlighted India’s BIO E3 (biotechnology for environment, economy, and employment) policy, aimed at transforming the country into a biotech powerhouse. This, he noted, would not only foster environmental sustainability but also generate significant economic and employment opportunities for India’s growing population.
Strengthening India’s Global Influence
Day 2 of PM Modi’s US visit was a reflection of India’s growing global influence, both in terms of diplomatic engagements and technological ambitions. His address to the Indian diaspora reinforced the vital role that the community plays in fostering stronger India-US relations, while his meetings with world leaders underscored India’s diplomatic reach.
The focus on technology and investment, particularly in the semiconductor sector, aligns with Modi’s broader vision of transforming India into a global economic powerhouse. With Day 3 promising even more significant engagements, PM Modi’s US visit is set to leave a lasting impact on India’s global partnerships and its future trajectory.
Looking Ahead: Day 3 and Beyond
As Day 2 came to a close, PM Modi prepared for another important day on the global stage. On Day 3, he is set to address the United Nations General Assembly’s Summit of the Future. The summit, themed ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,’ will see participation from numerous world leaders, with Modi expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
His focus will likely shift to multilateralism, global governance, and India’s role in shaping the future of international cooperation. Modi’s presence at this high-profile event underscores India’s growing stature on the global stage, as the country takes on an increasingly influential role in tackling key global challenges, from climate change to technology governance.
(With inputs from agencies)
