Most Indian-Americans back Modi’s re-election bid: Diaspora leader

Indian-Americans are supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential third term because of his transformative policies, an influential community leader said. The majority of Indian-Americans view Modi’s government positively, seeing it as a driving force behind India’s economic growth, according to influential community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria.

Bhutoria, who is also a prominent Democratic fundraiser, pointed out that Indian-Americans feel proud of India’s economic growth, just like they contribute to the US economy, reported news agency PTI. He said they really want India to keep getting better under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“I think the majority of Indian-Americans want Prime Minister Modi to come back. It’s a sense of pride for them that when India shines, they shine,” Bhutoria was quoted as saying by PTI.

Bhutoria pointed to India’s rapid economic growth, projecting it to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.

“They feel proud that India is rising, India is growing. India has been growing at almost a much faster rate of economic growth, six to seven per cent. When I read the statistics, it said that it’ll overtake Japan by the end of this year to become the fourth-largest economy. And maybe by 2027, India will be the third-largest economy behind the US and China,” Bhutoria said.

He praised Modi’s government for its policies across various sectors, including commerce, small businesses, railways, and infrastructure development. He also underlined the importance of sustaining India’s growth momentum, advocating for Modi’s re-election to continue the success story.

Bhutoria noted the government’s efforts to improve access to health and life insurance and promote cashless transactions.

“Prime Minister Modi…has been very good at reaching out and connecting with the diaspora, whether it was in 2014 or 2019 or recently in 2023, when President Biden hosted the state dinner, there were over 4,500 Indian-Americans on the South Lawn of the White House. They loved being there, and the respect India received as a global leader,” said Bhutoria.

Bhutoria also commended Modi’s outreach to the Indian diaspora, highlighting events like President Biden’s state dinner, attended by thousands of Indian-Americans.

He emphasised the emotional connection felt by the community towards India and lauded the government’s efforts in improving security and eliminating terrorist threats.

According to Bhutoria, the emotional bond with India remains strong, particularly among first-generation immigrants, who appreciate the country’s progress and development under Modi’s leadership.