India is characteristically restrained in its strategic behavior but it would not hesitate to demonstrate its determination in securing the interests of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering of the Indian American community in the U.S capital on Sunday, citing the “surgical strikes” against Pakistan as an example.
He did not mention Pakistan by name, but said “other than those who were at the receiving end” nobody in the world complained about the “surgical strikes,” and this was a sign of India’s success in building world opinion against terrorism.
Mr. Modi said he decided to address a smaller gathering of Indian Americans this time — in contrast with the two bigger events that he did in the last two years — to spend time with those who helped to organise the previous events. He said everything in India has changed under his premiership over the last three years, and the dream of Indian Americans to see a developed India would be fulfilled in their lifetime. “….things used to happen earlier too, but now it is happening at the right pace and in the right direction… Decisions are time-bound, fast and in the right direction and result oriented. Look at any parameter that you choose — how much road, rail or anything else is built…compare what used to happen earlier and now..”
As the attendees raised slogans of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Jai Hind , Mr. Modi said they must work to ensure that future generations of Indian Americans maintain the same feelings for India. “Sometimes I wonder what after this generation. Will this feeling continue in the coming generations? Your constant efforts are essential to ensure that the coming generations retain their links to India,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Modi spent several minutes explaining “surgical strikes” and how the world has come around to accepting India’s views on terrorism.
“Today the world is worried over terrorism. It is an enemy of humanity. When India used to tell the world 20-25 years go, they thought this was our law and order problem. Because they had not suffered. they had not experienced. ( unhon ne bhukta nahin tha…anubhav nahin kiya tha.. ) ..Today we don't need to explain terrorism to anyone in the world (aaj vishwa mein kisi ko terrorism samjhana nahi padh raha hei) ….terrorists have shown it to them. ( terroriston ne samajhadiya hein hein),” Mr. Modi said, to loud claps and cheers. “When we were explaining they did not understand, but terrorists have taught them,” he repeated. (Hum samjhata tha toh nahin samjha, lekin terroriston ne samjadiya hein)
“When India makes surgical strikes, the world sees that not only does India keep restraint, but when it is essential, India also shows its capabilities,” he said, but was quick to add that India would play by global rules. “We are bound by global rules. that is our culture, our character.... we are not among those who enforce their will by undermining the global order. Acting within the norms, for our sovereignty, security… and for peace and prosperity of our people, we are capable of taking toughest decisions… And the world can never stop us. (duniya hamein kabhi bhi rok nahi sakte.)
The Prime Minister said “surgical strikes” was such an event that if the world wanted to, they could have taken India to task. “They could have cornered us, sought answers... but nobody in the world raised a single question. That is because we have convinced the world about the nature of terrorism that is harassing us...We have been successful in convincing the world,” he said.
‘Technology driven society, against fatalism’
The PM said his governance was aimed at overcoming the fatalism that has historically gripped the society. “Even when a young child dies of disease we would take it as god’s will,” he said. But a new India and its young population are aspirational, he said. "The rising aspiration is the biggest strength of Indian development, When aspirations get proper leadership… aspiration in itself is achievement. We are tailoring our policies to meet the aspirations of the people.”
Mr. Modi said his aim was to create a “technology driven society” and “technology driven development”. FDI is flowing into India at an unprecedented level and all international rating agencies rate India high, the PM said.
Groups protest Modi visit
U.S based Sikh and Kashmiri separatist groups raised concerns related to civil rights in India in the wake of the volatile security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and recurring incidents of violence against religious minorities in India.
Activists of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) gathered outside the hotel where Mr. Modi was addressing the India American community, raising slogans for an independent state of Khalistan. “"Ever since Narendra Modi took office, religious tolerance deteriorated and religious freedom violations increased in India” stated attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor to SFJ said. SFJ activists will protest outside the White House on Monday, ahead of Mr. Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump.
A group of Kashmiris led by Ghulam-Nabi Fai has also announced a demonstration outside White House, demanding American intervention to cool the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “The President had said during the campaign that Kashmir is a "very, very hot tinderbox.” We are requesting the President to take up this issue, when he meets the Indian PM today,” said Mr. Pai.
John Prabhudoss, President of the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations said violence against minorities in India has sullied the country’s image in the world, and has negatively impacted its relations with the U.S. “…fact is, from the Presidents of tiny nations like El Salvador and Panama to Presidents of Egypt and Philippines were invited to the White House, not to mention the Chinese Premier, long before the Trump Administration asked Mr. Modi to come,” he said.
