NEW DELHI: In the run-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States on June 20, social media such as Twitter have been inundated with posts and video messages not only from the political class but also from members of the Indian-American community.
He will arrive in New York on June 20th and preside over June 9th International Yoga Day Celebrations at United Nations Headquarters on June 21st. He will then travel to Washington DC on June 22 for a state visit, where he will be welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill. Prime Minister Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress, followed by a historic state dinner.
Prominent US lawmakers including Congressmen Don Bacon, Rich McCormick, Greg Landsman, Gregory Meeks and Troy Carter, and state governors such as Delaware’s John Carney have hailed Prime Minister Modi on Twitter.
“Looking forward to hearing from Prime Minister @narendramodi on his vision for #India during our joint #congress session…” Meeks tweeted.

Landsman said India is a key partner in efforts to strengthen democracy in the US and around the world.

“The largest and oldest democracies will have a great opportunity to strengthen our ties. We share common threats and believe in common values,” Bacon tweeted.

McCormick called the US-India relationship “one of the most strategic…in the world”.

Carter said the US and India have an important relationship and that the two countries work together in various fields such as medicine, technology and sustainable growth.

Delaware Governor Carney welcomed Prime Minister Modi to the US and said in a video message he hopes the Indian leader enjoys his time in Washington DC.
“This visit will be another opportunity for India and the United States to strengthen our economic and cultural ties,” Carney said, recalling his recent visit to India where he was ” struck by the kindness of the people I met there I was impressed”.

New Jersey Senator and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez said in a video message that he is joining the “vibrant and important” Indian-American community in his home state and welcoming Prime Minister Modi to Washington DC.
Menendez began his message with a “Namaste,” saying the prime minister’s state visit was a “significant moment” in US-India relations.
Recalling the “fond memories” of his visit to India in 2019, the lawmaker said his trip provides him with an opportunity to meet with Indian civil society leaders, security and government officials and engage with India’s history, culture and diverse deal with religious traditions.
Menendez recalled visiting Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid and the Golden Temple, as well as celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday.
“I hope Prime Minister Modi will have the same opportunities to experience all the riches of the United States when he visits,” Menendez said, whether it’s the “incredible architecture” of the US Capitol dome or the deep generosity of the American people wished the Indian leader well on his visit to Washington.
“From our trade and economic engagement to our security cooperation to our people-to-people ties, the India-US relationship is vital. We’ve made significant progress in recent years and I hope to make even more in the future,” he said.
He emphasized that New Jersey’s Indian-American community contributes to the economy, culture and security of the state and nation.
“So let’s promise to work even harder to bring our two societies closer together” and make both more prosperous in the years and decades to come, he said as he ended his message with “Jai Hind” and “God bless America.” “
Members of the Indian American community have spoken of famous places in the US such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, niagara fallsPrinceton University and Hawaii, and expressed pride in his “inspirational” leadership.

“Long live the friendship between India and the US!”, “We would like to welcome Prime Minister @narendramodi to this historic state visit”, “Hello and welcome, Prime Minister of India “@narendramodi to this beautiful city,” “India-US relations are a force for global good,” and “The Indian-American community is deeply proud of Prime Minister Modi’s inspirational leadership,” read some messages.
The Consulate General of India in New York is tweeting the special video messages that members of the diaspora send from famous American landmarks across the country.

Other iconic locations include Columbia University and Columbia Business School in New York; National Museum of the US Air Force in Ohio; the iconic New York City landmarks Brooklyn Bridge and The Edge; Wright Brothers Museum in Dayton, Ohio; Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and New England.
The American Dawoodi Bohras also joined the Indian-Americans and warmly welcomed the Prime Minister. “Many American Dawoodi Bohras have deep spiritual and family ties to India and are proud to contribute to the strong ties between the two nations,” an official community member tweeted.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed also tweeted that she looks forward to attending the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at UNHQ North Lawn next week with Prime Minister Modi.

(with contributions from agencies)