Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ During his two-day visit to Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an inspiring address to the Indian diaspora in Moscow, underscoring the transformative journey India has undertaken over the past decade. He emphasized that self-confidence is India’s greatest asset, a sentiment that has fuelled the nation’s remarkable progress since 2014.
Reflecting on India’s evolution, Modi stated, “Before 2014, we had sunk into the depths of despair. Today, the country is full of self-confidence, and this is the biggest asset of India.” He credited this resurgence to the resilience and determination of India’s youth, likening their spirit to the country’s recent T20 World Cup victory. “The real story of winning the World Cup is also the journey of victory. Today’s youth of India does not accept defeat till the last ball and the last moment,” he remarked.
Modi also expressed optimism about India’s prospects in the upcoming Paris Olympics, confidently asserting, “India is sending a great team to the Paris Olympics. This self-confidence of the youth is the real capital of India.”
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined India’s ambitious development goals for the next decade, including advancements in semiconductors, electronic manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and world-class infrastructure. He stated, “From global poverty to climate change, India will be at the forefront in challenging every situation.”
The address also highlighted the strong ties between India and Russia, with Modi praising Russia as a “trusted friend” and lauding President Putin’s efforts in bolstering the Indo-Russian partnership over the past two decades. “On hearing the word Russia, the first word that comes to every Indian’s mind is India’s partner in happiness and sorrow, India’s trusted friend,” Modi said. He added that despite Russia’s cold winters, the warmth of the India-Russia relationship has remained constant.
Modi expressed gratitude for Russia’s assistance in evacuating Indian students during the Ukraine war, thanking the Russian people and President Putin for their support. He also appreciated the contributions of the Indian diaspora to Russian society, acknowledging their role in strengthening bilateral ties.
The Prime Minister recalled the deep cultural bonds between the two nations, mentioning the popular Hindi film song ‘Sir pe lal topi Russi, phir bhi dil hai Hindustani’ and the affection Bollywood stars like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty received in Russia.
Modi’s address in Moscow was a celebration of India’s self-confidence and a reaffirmation of the enduring Indo-Russian friendship, setting a hopeful tone for the future of bilateral relations and India’s continued progress on the global stage.
