Dream of developed India will be fulfilled: Modi tells Indian diaspora 

Washington, June 26 (IANS) Addressing the Indian diaspora here as the "members of family", Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised of a developed India in their lifetime.

Interacting with the Indian diaspora here on Sunday, Modi said their success is due to the supportive environment in the US, and his government is working to provide the same environment back home.

"Your heart always asks when would our country become like this (the US)... I assure you that this will happen in your lifetime," Modi said.

Saying that Indians in America have not just helped India progress but also the US, Modi said that success and action of the Indian diaspora is still echoing in the world. 

"You are the same people but your success story has a simple reason, it's because you got supportive environment here," he said.

The Prime Minister added that "125 crore equally talented Indians are there back in India, they are now getting supportive environment and soon we will develop India soon".

"The biggest change in India today is that every Indian want to do and is already doing something with resolution to change and develop the nation," he said.

"Today, 125 crore people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari have resolved to do something for their country. With such a resolve, the country is developing in a pace never seen before."

Calling corruption as the root cause due to which "the previous governments were changed in India", Modi said his government has emerged corruption-free in the last three years.

"Governments were changed because of corruption. The common people hated this... There has been not a single blot on our government in the past three years. And governance is being modified so that honesty becomes an in-build process.

"Technology is helping with that," Modi said. 

"Increased usage of technology brings transparency in systems. When I think of a developed India, I think of a healthy India, particularly the good health of the women and children of our nation," he added.

The Prime Minister also said: "Transparent policies create an environment of trust among the people. The youth of India understands technology and the importance of technology very well. Through technology driven governance we are creating an 'Adhunik Bharat'."

"With proper policies and governance, aspirations of people of India can become achievements. We are already seeing the results of this," said Modi

"Innovation, technology and talent are crucial in this age," he added.

The Prime Minister also said the warmth, the Indian community gave is memorable. "All my family members are settled in America... The happiness we get after meeting the family is what I am feeling right now," Modi said.

He also said: "If you want to give back to India, this is the best time to do so. Keep the bridge with India. Your younger generations must continue the strong bond with India."

Modi lauds Sushma Swaraj in US

Washington, June 26 (IANS) Speaking of change in the functioning of the Indian embassy everywhere, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for her pro-active actions to help "Indians anywhere".

Speaking of a technology-driven change in the governance, Prime Minister Modi said on Sunday that Sushma Swaraj and her Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) helped many Indians in trouble abroad, after they approached her on social media.

"The way Sushma Swaraj has worked and helped every Indian abroad is commendable. It is now well known in India that when anyone in trouble tweets to Sushma, she promptly replies and the government takes prompt action," Modi said while interacting with the Indian diaspora here.

"The Indian diaspora anywhere now has faith that their issues will be resolved," Modi said.

He added "it is for everyone to see how the MEA has, in addition to their routine work, emerged as a strong humanitarian force for Indians globally".

Urging the Indian diaspora to "keep the bridge with India", Modi said that the younger generations of Indians must be kept aware. "Keep the bridge with India. Your younger generations must continue your strong bond with India," the Prime Minister told the Indian diaspora.

Speaking of talent, technology and innovation, the Prime Minister also told the Indian diaspora: "If you want to give back to India, this is the best time to do so."

No country questioned India's surgical strike: Modi

Washington, June 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no country has questioned India's surgical strike against terrorist launchpads in Pakistan and "India has succeeded in telling the world about the need to uproot the menace of terrorism".

He also said "terrorists have themselves explained to the world the meaning of terrorism".

"The entire world could have raised many questions and pointed fingers at us for the surgical strike. But, not a single country questioned India's surgical strike against the terrorist launchpads in Pakistan (last year). Those who suffered (Pakistan) because of this, is a different thing," Modi said while addressing the members of Indian diaspora here on Sunday.

"The entire world is suffering because of the menace of terrorism, which is against mankind," the Prime Minister said.

"When India spoke about terrorism about 20-25 years back, for many countries, it was beyond their understanding. For them it was a law and order problem, because they were not the sufferers. Today, it is not required to explain what's terrorism. Terrorists have themselves explained it to them," said Modi.

"But when India conducts surgical strike, the world understands India is a patient country but if required, it knows how to demonstrate its ability," said Modi.

"We are bound by international laws. We believe in the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). This is our character," he added.

Modi also said: "We do not want to disrupt the global order. Following the international norms and law, in order to ensure that the sovereignty, security and peace is maintained, we are capable of taking very stern action."