PM Narendra Modi's Landmark USA Visit: Shines amidst a few unsavoury remarks at home and abroad

Modi's Successful State Visit to USA Reflects India's Ascendance on the Global Stage Despite Scattered Criticism in USA and its Echoes by Domestic Opposition.(Updated with Address to the US Congress)

Introduction: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to the United States has marked a significant milestone in India's international relations. The visit encompassed various crucial engagements, highlighting the growing stature of India under the charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Modi. While the visit garnered substantial success and recognition, it also faced criticism from certain US leaders and some unfortunate consequential echoes within India. This article explores the achievements of the visit, examines the discordant notes sounded by some individuals, and concludes with an optimistic outlook for India's future in the global arena.

A Fruitful Journey Strengthening Bilateral Ties: During his visit, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a fruitful journey aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and the United States. Apart from being personally hosted at the White House by US President Joe Biden and his wife on Wednesday evening (21.06.2023), Prime Minister Modi also engaged in several significant interactions. These included meetings with leading entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and other thought leaders, which fostered discussions on innovation and collaboration. Furthermore, on Thursday morning (22.06.2023), Prime Minister Modi had the privilege of meeting with eminent personalities of the Indian diaspora in the presence of President Biden on the Southern Lawn of the White House. This special gathering not only celebrated the achievements and contributions of the Indian diaspora but also highlighted the strong bond between the two Nations.

The grand visit culminated in the Prime Minister Modi's address to a joint meeting of the US Congress later on Thursday (22.06.2023), an honour bestowed upon only a select few world leaders. Such high-level engagements demonstrate the importance and significance of the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.

Speech to the US Congress: In his momentous address at the Joint Session of the US Congress, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strong Indo-US collaboration, underscoring its significance in fostering global progress. He emphasized India's role as a beacon of democracy, drawing inspiration from its ancient traditions and diverse cultural heritage.

Modi asserted that the partnership between India and the United States has not only led to innovation, economic growth, and cultural exchange but has also strengthened their respective democratic systems. This collaboration serves as a cornerstone for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, while addressing critical global challenges like climate change, cybersecurity, and terrorism.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed their joint commitment to inclusive growth, democratic principles, and the advancement of democracy worldwide. With India's rich history of democratic traditions and unwavering dedication to democratic values, the Indo-US partnership holds great promise in shaping a world where democracy thrives, PM Modi concluded.

World Yoga Day: In addition to these noteworthy events, the World Yoga Day celebration held in New York on 21st June, 2023 garnered global attention and participation from officials representing nearly 190 countries. Although technically under the auspices of the United Nations, the event unequivocally highlighted India's international prominence and showcased its cultural heritage on the global stage.

Criticisms Amidst the Success: Regrettably, a few second-rung US leaders, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, voiced critical opinions during the visit, attracting disproportionate media coverage. Senator Sanders, who had previously bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination without success, raised concerns about press freedom, civil society, and alleged aggressive Hindu nationalism. Meanwhile, the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar emphatically cancelled a meeting with a group of US lawmakers on account of their refusal to exclude the sworn anti-India Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from the delegation. The Chennai-born Democrat Congresswoman, known for her consistent and often unjustified criticism of Narendra Modi, had previously shot off letters on various contentious issues such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Kashmir, and Farmers' protests.

Disappointing Response of Some Indian Opposition Leaders: It is unfortunate that certain Indian opposition leaders have chosen to echo the criticisms raised by second-rung US politicians, neglecting the overall success of Prime Minister Modi's visit. While constructive discussions and differing perspectives are expected in a healthy democracy, the tendency to latch onto random comments from virulent critics of India reflects a myopic and petty approach. Instead of appreciating the strategic and economic outcomes of the visit, these leaders have prioritized personal agenda over India's national interest, undermining the significance of this historic visit.

Understanding US Politics and India's Rising Global Influence: In the United States' two-party system, Senators and Congressmen often have differing viewpoints from the President, influenced by their constituencies and individual political dynamics. Some politicians pander to sentiments within certain pockets of influence, including the Pakistani diaspora. The negative comments made by these US politicians about India demonstrate three key aspects: their desire to capitalize on the publicity surrounding Prime Minister Modi's visit, the acknowledgment that India and its leader cannot be ignored, and their alignment with particular constituencies or ideologies. These accordingly should not have been granted undue importance by the Indian opposition leaders.

Overcoming Opposition and Shaping India's Destiny: The disapproving responses from certain opposition leaders in India reveal their deep-seated animosity or envy, stemming from their lack of substantive issues or agendas to criticize. Such leaders resort to inane and unsavory comments to cater to their die-hard supporters, but their actions only serve to expose their true intentions. As Winston Churchill famously stated, "You cannot throw bricks at every dog that barks at you." Despite the naysayers, Prime Minister Modi's dynamic leadership continues to propel India forward, both domestically and on the international stage.

Embracing India's Promising Future: Prime Minister Modi is emerging as one of India's most influential leaders since Independence, despite the reluctance of those reminiscing about the Nehruvian era to acknowledge this new reality. As we enter what Modi calls "India's decade" or "techade," a new era is dawning, signaling India's ascendent trajectory on the global canvas. Though this point of inflexion may be subtle at present, this change will manifest more clearly in the years to come. Instead of accepting, much less endorsing, the derisive comments of a few opposition leaders, it is crucial for India to focus on applauding and supporting the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi.

Conclusion: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful state visit to the United States holds immense significance for India's standing in the international community. The visit showcased the strengthening of bilateral ties and emphasized India's prominence on the global stage. While critical voices from both the US and India attempted to overshadow the visit's achievements, it is imperative to recognize the tremendous impact of Modi's leadership. With optimism for India's future, the Nation must embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and work towards realizing its true potential.

Three cheers for Prime Minister Modi: “Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray!! Hip, hip, hooray!!!”

Jai Hind!

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PS: Our son, Bilawal Sidhu, who is a US-based tech entrepreneur, was privileged to receive an invite from the White House to represent the Indian diaspora at the South Lawn Reception of the PM Narendra Modi, by the US President Joe Biden. He attended, along with his mother Poonam Sidhu, who is visiting him.