Key Highlights:

• Over 18,000 attendees packed Madison Square Garden
• Modi’s focus on India’s economic development and diaspora ties
• Event marked Modi’s return to the U.S. after visa denial in 2005

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In September 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden, delivering a high-profile speech to a packed audience of over 18,000 Indian Americans. This event marked not only Modi’s political ascent on the global stage but also the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in U.S. politics. Organized by the Indian American Community Foundation, the rally had all the makings of a major political event, complete with musical and dance performances. It reflected a significant moment in U.S.-India relations.

The event, which had a campaign-like atmosphere, served as a display of Modi’s popularity and the Indian community’s support for their homeland’s leader. The rally occurred just a decade after Modi was denied a U.S. visa due to his controversial role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Modi’s return to the U.S. for this event symbolized his political resurgence and reinforced his global influence.

During his speech, Modi touched on India’s economic revival, visa simplification for people of Indian descent, and his vision for a more prosperous India. His speech resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom view Modi as a transformative leader capable of leading India into a new era.

The event also served as a reminder of Modi’s controversial past, with a small group of protesters gathered outside the venue, raising concerns about his record on religious minorities. However, the rally’s overwhelming success underscored the strong support Modi enjoys among Indian Americans and the symbolic importance of his return to the U.S. stage.