As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his visit to Washington, the Indian media was abuzz with headlines proclaiming a new era in US-India relations. The Indian Express banner headline read, “Deals closed, doors open,” while the ANI news agency captured members of Congress lining up for Modi’s autograph. The television channels were quick to highlight the standing ovations he received during his address to Congress, affectionately referring to him as “the boss.” This rock-star reception provided Modi with another opportunity to enhance his image on the world stage.
For Indian Americans, Modi’s visit evoked a sense of pride and frustration. Rohit Singla, a cloth merchant from Punjab, expressed his pride in seeing Modi receive such a warm welcome in the US, highlighting the numerous achievements of the visit, from Elon Musk’s praise to the bilateral arms deals. Singla believes that Modi’s visit will lead to more job opportunities in India, solidifying his position as a global leader.
Pulkit Goenka, a textile businessman from Modi’s home state of Gujarat, echoed Singla’s sentiments, stating that with American technological assistance, India has the potential to become a superpower. He also attributed Modi’s influence to the transformation of the Indian rupee into a global currency, emphasizing Modi’s position as a recognizable and popular face worldwide.
Experts predict that Modi’s visit to Washington will play a significant role in the upcoming elections. While opposition parties attempted to display a united front against the BJP, their efforts paled in comparison to the media coverage and attention given to Modi’s visit. The Indian media’s intense focus on Modi is not only a result of his historic juncture in US-India ties but also a strategic move by the BJP to gain an advantage in the 2024 elections.
Modi’s ability to utilize the world stage for electoral gains was evident in his successful 2019 campaign. Political scientist Rahul Verma explained that trust in Modi stems from his efforts to improve India’s global image and bolster national security, intangible qualities that resonate with the Indian electorate. Verma also noted Modi’s shrewd use of the Indian diaspora to shape his public image, a tactic his main opponent, Rahul Gandhi, attempted to emulate during his US tour with less fanfare.
While the media coverage of Modi’s visit has been overwhelmingly positive, there have been critics who argue that the prime minister should prioritize addressing pressing domestic issues rather than embarking on extravagant trips. Chetan Thirthahalli, a writer from Bangalore, expressed concerns over ethnic violence, religious minority lynchings, and attacks on lower caste Hindus, suggesting that Modi should focus on addressing these crises at home.
Amrit Boro, a betelnut trader from Assam, echoed these sentiments and questioned how Modi’s visit would benefit the common people when basic prices were skyrocketing under his rule. Some front pages and television channels also highlighted former president Barack Obama’s comments, warning about the protection of ethnic minorities in India. This sparked a viral exchange on social media, with a sarcastic tweet questioning if the state of Assam would arrest Obama, prompting a response from the chief minister taking aim at India’s Muslim population.
Ultimately, Modi’s visit to Washington has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both Indian and international audiences. The media’s portrayal of his visit has not only solidified his image as a global leader but has also ignited discussions and debates about his leadership and priorities within India.
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