PM’s US visit: Politics and strategy behind Narendra Modi’s diaspora outreach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s packed state visit to the US from June 21 to June 23 notably includes an address to the Indian-American community. The address is at the landmark Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC on the evening of June 23. This will be his fourth major address to the community since he came to power in 2014.

The last one, which is often referred to as the “Howdy Modi” event, was a mega rally held on September 22, 2019, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, where PM Modi addressed a crowd of over 50,000 people, including a large number of Indian-Americans. He was accompanied by President Donald Trump himself. It was unprecedented for a US President to attend a diaspora meet for a foreign leader on American soil. Not only did this show President Trump’s respect for PM Modi’s stature as a leader, but it also seemed to serve his own purpose. The president, facing re-election, hoped that he would reach out to the influential Indian-American voters who traditionally voted for the Democratic Party.

Howdy Houston!

It’s a bright afternoon here in Houston.

Looking forward to a wide range of programmes in this dynamic and energetic city today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/JxzWtuaK5x

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2019

The event, no doubt, provided a platform to showcase the growing influence and contributions of the Indian-American community in the US. With a substantial turnout, “Howdy Modi” demonstrated the political and economic heft of the Indian diaspora.

Wooing of the Indian-American community by both Republicans and Democrats has become more pronounced in recent times. With just 45 lakh people, Indian immigrants make up a meagre one per cent of the US population but pay six per cent of the nation’s total income tax. It’s the second-largest immigrant community in the US. More than 40 Indian Americans have been elected to various offices across the US. There are four representatives in the House — Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Pramila Jayapal. There are a few mayors to boot. According to a report, there are 35 Indian-origin judges across the US, a record number for the community in judicial appointments.

The rise of Indian-American politicians in recent years is a testament to the growing impact of the community. Notable figures like Kamala Harris, who became the first Indian-American and woman of colour to hold the vice president’s office, have shattered barriers. As the second generation of the Indian American community came of age, they began to engage more in political activism and advocacy. Recognising the importance of representation, they sought to influence policies and shape political discourse at the local, state and national levels.

People of Indian origin also hold a dominant place in the business world. It’s a matter of pride for every Indian that Indian Americans are leading more than two dozen American companies, including Google chief Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella. And to top it all off, the growing influence of the community can be gauged from the fact that the Biden administration has appointed 130 Indian Americans in many key positions — more than the administrations of both Trump and President Barack Obama.

Visiting Indian prime ministers have often interacted with the Indian-American community. They have done that in other countries too. But it was Modi who recognised their growing influence and reached out to them in a big way soon after he came to power. Wherever he went, he sought out the Indian diaspora and made them connect with India. He has portrayed them as ambassadors of India, playing a crucial role in promoting the country’s image, fostering economic ties, and building political relationships.

One of the primary reasons for Modi’s strong connection with the Indian diaspora in various countries is his charismatic leadership style. His famed oratorical skills, combined with his ability to connect with people on an emotional level, have helped him forge a personal bond with the diaspora. PM Modi also knows that the diaspora is diverse, mirroring Indian society back home. He seeks everyone out, no matter their political allegiance.

But in the US, he appears to have developed a special bond with the vibrant Indian-American community. He is indeed aware that America is the sole global superpower. Washington DC is a busy capital with visiting dignitaries and an ever-increasing number of lobbyists and power brokers. Governments from all over the world want to have access to the Oval Office and vie for the attention of the president. It helps, in so many ways, if you have people of Indian origin in the administration.

American society generally believes in quid pro quo. Modi understands that and in return offers Indian-Americans and other investors huge opportunities back home. It was not surprising to notice the presence of a large number of key business leaders from both countries at the “Howdy Modi” event. It served as an opportunity to promote bilateral trade and investment between the US and India. Moreover, PM Modi’s government has strengthened ties with the Indian-American community through initiatives such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) and the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) programme, which grants certain benefits and privileges to overseas Indians.

India’s growth story has been impressive in the past nine years. But huge challenges lie ahead. The Indian diaspora, especially in the US, can play a leading role in overcoming these challenges and taking India’s growth story forward seamlessly.

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The writer is National Spokesperson, BJP, former Member of Parliament, and former Managing Director, Deutsche Bank, India