Grow together, PM Modi tells diaspora and global CEOs on his 3-day US tour

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Washington as the "members of family," Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised of a developed India in their lifetime. The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to the US.

Interacting with the Indian diaspora on his first visit to the US after Donald Trump became the President, 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 are 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 we will develop India soon."

"Today, 125 crore people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari have resolved to do something for their country. With such a resolve, the country is developing at 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-built process. And 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'."

"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."

Meeting with global CEOs

After he arrived, the Prime Minister met top American CEOs of global giants that included Google, Microsoft, Apple, and others. He discussed issues ranging from visas, investment, and job creation.

The CEOs’ roundtable was attended by Apple chief Tim Cook, Walmart head Doug McMillon, Caterpillar’s Jim Umpleby, Google head Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, among others.

Addressing the roundtable, Modi said that the landmark initiative of GST could be a subject of studies in the US business schools. He added that growth of India presents a win-win partnership for India and the US.

Media reports quoted Google CEO Sundar Pichai as saying, "PM was looking for insights into how India can attract more foreign investment, many good ideas discussed. It was a very good discussion across many industries."