Washington, June 26: The enthusiastic Indian diaspora gathered in Virginia to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address voiced optimism about the future of Indo-US ties under the leadership of Modi and President Donald Trump.
Dressed in their traditional finery, the nearly 600 Indian-Americans said they believe that the millions-strong Indian diaspora in the US can make a big difference in the bilateral ties.
Though the event was attended by more than 600 community members, it was much less compared to Modi’s 2014 Madison Square Garden reception attended by over 18,000 people.
The Prime Minister spoke for nearly 50 minutes at the event in Hindi and explained to the audience the welfare programmes his government has launched in past three years.
Sudhir Parikh, a medical doctor and long time community leader, said that India is moving forward under Modi’s leadership. Modi “correctly believes that the Indian diaspora can make a big difference between US and India relations.”
On Modi’s first bilateral meeting with Trump, Parikh said he expects the two leaders to discuss bilateral defence deals, the H1B visa and other immigration issues and the Paris climate deal.
“Modi is an excellent politician and is almost like a businessman. He knows how to handle other businessmen. Trump is a businessman. I am sure they will connect with each other and the outcome of the meeting will be very positive and set the stage for further strengthening of bilateral ties,” he said.
Anil Sharma of the organisation ‘Overseas Volunteer for Better India’ said there are high expectations from the Modi-Trump meeting, especially against the backdrop of the uncertainty arising out of the Trump administration’s H1B visa policies, and racist attacks against members of the Indian community.
“We really hope that our concerns on these issues will be taken up at the highest level,” Sharma said.
Pragya Chisti from New Jersey said the meeting between Trump and Modi will be a “historic one.” She said cultural exchanges between the two nations have played a role in strengthening bilateral ties.
“There is a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm about India’s relations with the US. I expect only a positive outcome from the Trump-Modi meeting and for the future of the two countries,” she said.
Attorney Ravi Batra said Modi promises Indian-Americans that India will be a global force for good because India’s 800 million youth’s dreams are “young dreams”.
“The durable partnership between US and India is driven by people,” he said.
His supporter from Chicago, Nirav Patel said Modi is an inspiration for young second-generation Indian-Americans. PTI