Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diplomatic Outreach in the US
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a high-profile visit to the United States this weekend, with various engagements on his agenda. From attending the Quad leaders’ summit to addressing the "Summit of the Future" at the UN General Assembly, and meeting with CEOs of leading US-based companies, Modi’s visit is packed with significant events.
Engaging with the Indian Diaspora
One of Modi’s signature moves during foreign trips is meeting with members of India’s diaspora, and his upcoming visit to the US is no exception. On Sunday, he is expected to address an event titled "Modi & US Progress Together" at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York. Despite the venue having a capacity of just 15,000, the event has received more than 25,000 registrations, highlighting the strong connection between Modi and the Indian community abroad.
Modi’s Diaspora Outreach Strategy
Modi’s efforts to deepen ties with the Indian diaspora have become a regular feature of his foreign visits. These well-managed events, such as his address to Indian Americans at Madison Square Garden in 2014 and the "Howdy Modi" event in Houston in 2019, serve multiple purposes beyond strengthening ties with the diaspora. They also elevate Modi’s image as a global leader and support his domestic agenda.
The Influence of the Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with over 35 million people residing outside India. Indian Americans, numbering nearly 5 million, have emerged as a highly influential immigrant group in the US. Modi’s community events are not just symbolic gestures but are designed to activate the diaspora’s transnational identity, turning them into key players in lobbying, investment, and technological partnerships.
BJP’s Long-term Foreign Policy Strategy
Connecting with Indian communities abroad has been a major goal of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for decades. These efforts have helped the party expand its presence globally, especially in Western democracies where a significant portion of the Indian diaspora is concentrated. Other political parties, including the opposition Congress and regional parties like DMK, are also engaging with Indians living abroad.
The Strategic Importance of Modi’s Diaspora Outreach
Modi’s outreach to the diaspora serves multiple strategic and diplomatic purposes, from strengthening bilateral ties to cultural diplomacy and economic contributions. By portraying Modi as a leader deeply connected with a prosperous diaspora, these events also help marginalize dissent and focus the narrative on India’s rise on the global stage.
In conclusion, Modi’s engagement with the Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in his foreign policy strategy, enhancing India’s global presence and fostering connections with influential communities around the world. By leveraging the support and resources of the diaspora, Modi aims to position India as a key player in international affairs and economic cooperation.