On September 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to thousands of viewers on his vision for "twenty-first century India and the world." He also credited the success of India to the Indian-American community, bringing it from a country stereotyped by snake charmers to, what Modi claims, "the world's youngest country and its most ancient culture."
It is not secret that Indian Americans are considered to be India's largest natural resource. Modi took this time to thank Indians and Indian Americans for their vital contributions in the post IT revolution. "If you want human resources and low-cost production, then India is your destination."
Center for the Advanced Study of India and the University of Pennsylvania, Devesh Kapur, stated that this speech is not only about Modi tying the US and India closer but also a sign that American politicians should be taking the Indian American community more seriously.
President Barack Obama is definitely taking Modi's speech seriously, meeting with him yesterday at the White House. On the table was the potential to renew the 2005 New Framework Agreement which expires this year. There are many issues with the US-India relationship but AEI's Hemal Shah writes that there are three opportunities to better the ties. (All points are direct quotes from her article in The Diplomat)
1) The United States and India need to work consciously to re-build mutual trust by eliminating their baggage from the past.
2) Both countries need to understand and appreciate each other’s strategic needs.
3) Both countries need to straighten out their bureaucratic procedures and procurement processes.
Center for the Advanced Study of India and the University of Pennsylvania, Devesh Kapur, stated that this speech is not only about Modi tying the US and India closer but also a sign that American politicians should be taking the Indian American community more seriously.
President Barack Obama is definitely taking Modi's speech seriously, meeting with him yesterday at the White House. On the table was the potential to renew the 2005 New Framework Agreement which expires this year. There are many issues with the US-India relationship but AEI's Hemal Shah writes that there are three opportunities to better the ties. (All points are direct quotes from her article in The Diplomat)
1) The United States and India need to work consciously to re-build mutual trust by eliminating their baggage from the past.
2) Both countries need to understand and appreciate each other’s strategic needs.
3) Both countries need to straighten out their bureaucratic procedures and procurement processes.
For more details on the US-India relationship and it's potential please check out the links above and these articles:
Obama, Modi say they will set new US-India agenda (Washington Post)
Narendra Modi Outlines Goals for Indian on Eve of a Visit with Obama (NYT)
After wooing diaspora, Modi meets Obama (Al Jazeera)
Obama, Modi say they will set new US-India agenda (Washington Post)
Narendra Modi Outlines Goals for Indian on Eve of a Visit with Obama (NYT)
After wooing diaspora, Modi meets Obama (Al Jazeera)