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BIG STORY SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 | The Indian Eye 4

PM M DI’S VISIT TO US

‘Modi’s visit to the US is a pivotal moment

to solidify India’s role on the world stage’

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
n an exclusive interview with The
Indian EYE, Rakesh Kaul, who
Iis an Author, Business Leader,
Contributor to Indian Culture and
Arts and a prominent member of the
Indian community in the US, talks
about the importance of the Indian
Prime Minister’s visit to the US. Ex-
cerpts of the interview:
This is Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s first visit to the US in his third
term. What is the importance of this trip
as far as the Indian community here is
concerned?
For the Indian diaspora, Prime
Minister Modi’s visit to the US rep-
resents more than just continuity
in leadership; it’s a pivotal moment
to solidify India’s role on the world
stage. As the only global leader with
influence across all internation-
al blocs, Modi is seen as a force for
good. The Indian community hopes
he will confidently showcase India’s Community members expect announcements that will accelerate value creation for both sides in financial capital,
advancements. Yet, the key message
must be that India’s reform agenda human capital and technology capital (File photo)
won’t slow down despite the recent
electoral mandate. The visit should value creation for both sides in finan- is America’s perceived role in the
project that now is the time to accel- cial capital, human capital and tech- regimes in India’s neighborhood and
erate, not settle into a static relation- nology capital. This trip is expected its impact on India’s security. Special
ship between India and the US.
to give a further boost to the US-In- interest American groups who push
PM Modi will address a huge com- dia relationship through increased agendas that seek to exploit divisions
munity event during the trip. What are collaboration in technology, defense, in India have created unnecessary
the expectations of the community from and trade. Areas like defense co-pro- negative vibes.
the Prime Minister’s speech? duction (such as jet-engine tech- The Indian PM is travelling to the
The Indian-American communi- nology) and climate change will be
ty expects PM Modi to address con- significant focal points. The Indian US in the middle of a contentious elec-
tion. Do you see the possibility of Modi
cerns relevant to them—such as visa diaspora sees these developments as meeting or endorsing either of the two
reforms (especially H-1B) and invest- ways to enhance India’s global stand- candidates -- Trump or Harris?
ment opportunities. ing and create more opportunities for Given the political sensitivities
There is also a desire to hear Indians abroad.
about Modi’s vision for NRIs’ role In recent months, there has been and the non-partisan stance Modi
typically takes on foreign trips, it
in contributing to India, especially some friction between India and the is unlikely that he will publicly en-
in terms of economic growth and its US over the Nijjar case and Ukraine. RAKESH KAUL dorse or meet any US presidential
leadership in technology.
Do you see these issues being resolved candidates. The focus of his visit
How will this trip help in giving a during Modi’s visit? resolved during this visit. However, will remain on enhancing India-US
further boost to India-US relationship? While the Nijjar case and In- both countries are prioritizing broad- relations without delving into US
The community expects a dia’s stance on Ukraine have created er strategic and economic interests, domestic politics . And it is unneces-
strengthening of ties between the two some friction, these issues are likely and are likely to downplay these sary since Indo US relationship now
nations. Community members expect to be handled delicately. There is lit- differences to ensure continued co- enjoys broad bi-partisan support in
announcements that will accelerate tle expectation that they will be fully operation . What is of some concern both India and the US.

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