Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he has always understood the potential and capabilities of the Indian community in the US, and for him, they have been strong brand ambassadors of India.

Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi talked of India’s enormous diversity and adaptability of Indians when they go abroad.

“We belong to a country where there are dozens of languages and dialogues, all faiths and religions of the world and yet we are moving forward united,” he said.

He praised India’s digital revolution, calling it unparalleled anywhere in the world, citing implementation of UPI and 5G network.

“India’s 5G network implementation is bigger than the US, and that too in only two years… Indians carry digital wallets… We have UPI, the world’s largest digital payments system,” PM Modi said.

He said the day is not far when made-in-India semiconductor will be sold across the world.

PM Modi spoke of the magnitude of India’s general elections held earlier this year.

“Ab ki baar…” he said.

“Modi Sarkar, Modi Sarkar,” the audience responded.

He said India’s “namaste” has now become multinational, and has turned from “local to global”. Praising the contributions of the Indian community overseas, PM Modi said Indians contribute to the most no matter where they are.

PM Modi is on a three-day visit to the US.

His address at the “Modi and US” programme is a historic event as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gathered from 42 states to welcome the Prime Minister.

A roadside bomb detonated near a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan’s Swat district, killing one policeman and injuring three others. Diplomats from 12 countries were unscathed. Authorities suspect militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban are responsible for the attack. The diplomats had been visiting at the invitation of a local chamber of commerce.

Prime Minister Modi said the consulates will strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States.