By Nik Tikoo '17

In May 2014, Narendra Modi became India’s prime minister after leading his party to a landslide victory in India’s national elections. This was the first time in 30 years that a political party captured an outright majority in India’s national elections. Modi campaigned on a platform of economic development with the promise of implementing new policies that would unleash India’s economic potential. His previous track record as chief minister of Gujarat, one of India’s most economically developed states, secured his votes with the Indian electorate.

Modi visited the United States in late-September to attend a meeting with the United Nations General Assembly where he was introduced to American policy makers, and able to discuss ways in which the United States and India can strengthen ties.  A major topic of conversation was India and the United States’ vested interest in stabilizing the balance of power in Asia given China’s rise in the region.  While both countries seek stronger economic ties with China, India and the United States want to ensure that China’s influence in Asia is matched by the presence of strong democratic countries such as India in the region.

During his visit, Modi met with President Obama and nearly 50 other lawmakers over this issue; however, his main goal was to showcase his economic development plans to American businesses and investors. He addressed the U.S.-India Business Council where he met with many American business executives such as Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt and Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein to outline his policies for making India an investor-friendly destination.

Another goal for Modi was to connect with the affluent and influential Indian-American community in the United States. He addressed a sell-out crowd of 20,000 Indian-Americans at Madison Square Garden in New York City and fired up the audience with his vision for India. This was a strategic move on Modi’s part because of the influence of the well-connected Indian-American community in lobbying the political and corporate leaders of America.

Over the years, U.S.-India relations have been unsteady; however, Modi’s visit initiated a new step toward stronger economic and political ties between the two countries. Given his political strength in India and effectiveness as an administrator, it is likely that U.S.-India relations are in for good times ahead.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/28/opinion/fontaine-modi-visit/

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/09/30/how-modis-evolution-from-pariah-to-pop-star-could-boost-u-s-india-ties/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-modi-begins-rock-star-like-us-tour/2014/09/26/eeabe78b-9327-4643-a131-33ab5c59174a_story.html

http://thediplomat.com/2014/10/what-did-narendra-modis-us-trip-accomplish/

http://www.ndtv.com/article/opinion/what-to-expect-beyond-the-bling-from-modi-s-us-visit-597240