Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive gathering of over 13,000 Indian-Americans at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, where he highlighted India’s progress, his ambitions for his third term, and the growing bond between India and the United States.
Modi, who was greeted by enthusiastic chants of “Modi-Modi,” described India as a “land of opportunities,” stating that the country is no longer waiting for opportunities but actively creating them. He emphasized the strides made in poverty alleviation, noting that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade.
Reflecting on his re-election, Modi said, “For the first time in 60 years, the people of India have given a mandate of such significance,” and outlined his “three-fold sense of responsibility” in his third term. He added, “We have to move forward with three times the strength.”
Modi stressed that India’s development is now driven by a “new middle class” and a changed mindset that empowers the poor. “Every Indian has confidence in India and its achievements,” he said, attributing the progress to a shift in old ways of thinking and governance.
The Prime Minister recognized the role of the Indian diaspora, calling them “India’s brand ambassadors” and praising their contributions to both India and the U.S. “For the world, AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, but I believe AI also represents the America-India spirit,” he quipped.
In a long-awaited announcement, Modi confirmed that India will open two new consulates in Boston and Los Angeles to better serve the fast-growing Indian-American communities in those cities.
Touching upon India’s foreign policy, Modi asserted that India maintains equal closeness with all nations and is committed to global peace and growth. “India’s role will be crucial to accelerate global peace,” he said, adding that India’s goal is not global dominance, but human-centric growth.
In a veiled criticism of the West, Modi said, “India has no role in causing destruction,” noting that despite representing 17 percent of the world’s population, India’s carbon emissions are only 4 percent. “We are like the sun, which gives brightness,” he added.
Modi highlighted India’s digital progress, pointing out that while people in the U.S. may carry wallets, in India, digital wallets are widespread. He also underscored the nation’s ambition to lead in mobile device manufacturing with “Made in India” chips.
“Today’s India sees big dreams, chases big dreams,” he said, sharing his vision for India to become the world’s third-largest economy, up from its current fifth position. Modi stressed that development in India has become a people’s movement, driven by self-confidence and determination.
The event featured a dazzling cultural performance, *Echoes of India – A Journey Through Art and Tradition,* showcasing 382 artists in a vibrant display of India’s rich cultural diversity. Notable performers included Grammy nominee Chandrika Tandon, *STAR Voice of India* winner Aishwarya Majumdar, and Instagram’s Dancing Dad Ricky Pond.
Modi’s remarks also touched on the deepening relationship between India and the U.S. He recalled a personal moment with President Joe Biden, who invited him to his home in Delaware, saying, “This respect is for 140 billion Indians. This respect is for you.”
India is also aspiring to host the 2036 Olympics, Modi announced, highlighting the country’s increasing prominence on the global stage. The event was a proud moment for the Indian diaspora, as they celebrated both India’s cultural heritage and its modern progress, with hopes for even greater achievements in the years to come.
