The World today is taking India more seriously and feeling India's presence the way it should have felt long ago!
But, why and how?!
Just ONE WORD answer to it…MODI.
Let me mention a few significant global events - this will also serve as a review of what has happened, rather what has changed, in the last 5 years.
Diplomatic Wins :
- While US continued threatening us, no sanctions imposed on India despite the S-400 deal with Russia and continued import of Crude Oil from Iran.
- Despite repeated attempts by China to create political turmoil in Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, these countries reiterated their 'India First' stand.
- India got membership of key Export Control Regimes. Only Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) remains now.
Global Recognition :
- India launched the SAARC Communication Satellite, following which, the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) South Asia office will now be based in New Delhi, aiming to serve the 24% of the world population (of course that includes Pakistan!). This move surely recognizes India’s IT Services’ hold on World ICT.
- ISRO continues to make world records with each successive satellite launch (remember that 104 satellites launch!)
- In the era of top world leader denying global warming (DJ Trump), PM Modi has turned out to be outstanding in terms of resetting goals for attaining sustainable future. India took the initiative and The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has now become the first multinational treaty-based body, headquartered in India (Gurugram).
It is an alliance within countries which lie between Tropic of Cancer & Tropic of Capricorn, a region with a surplus of bright sunlight for most of the year. As of now 121 countries have joined the initiative. India, being the spearhead, promised a target to produce 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and 100 GW will be from solar energy, accounting for a tenth of ISA’s goal.
- The India International Exchange, India INX, is India's first international stock exchange, opened in 2017. It is located at the International Financial Services Center, GIFT City in Gujarat. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It is designed to be at or above par with globally bench-marked financial centers such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.
As per experts, this unique stock exchange will enable infusion of more FDI in the country, and will enable ‘cross-border investment’, which will in turn help the Govt. to promote growth and development in the country.
Infrastructural Feats :
The construction projects are getting completed in time. This has improved India’s image, and helped us getting Construction Projects abroad, thereby improving economic ties.
- World's Tallest Statue - Statue of Unity
- World's Highest Railway Bridge - Chenab Bridge
- India' s Longest Rail-Road Bridge - Bogibeel Bridge
- India’s Longest Road Bridge - the 9.15 km Dhola-Sadiya Bridge aka ‘Bhupen Hazarika Setu’, on the Great Brahmaputra River.
- India's Longest Tunnel - Chenani-Nashri Tunnel
- India’s 100th Airport - Pakyong Airport - an Engineering marvel, Greenfield Airport, to be Sikkim’s 1st airport (even before a railway line built in here!), built at a height of 4,500 feet, will be a boost to the defense forces. etc.
Patriotism and Nationalism :
There is no doubt my friends, when Mr. Modi says that he sacrificed his life and his family for this country, he totally means it.
- Despite heavy bombings on January 24th, this patriot was unmoved, and did hoist the National Flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar. He is indeed a tough and daring leader.
(I have lived in Srinagar for 4 years, and I know how it feels being there at Lal Chowk!)
- He is a true Nationalist, and so is his team.
Modi brought back Mr. Ajit Doval (who was living retirement life for 10 years under the Manmohan Singh regime!), to service and made him National Security Advisor (NSA). And look what he said in 2015 -
Watch Ajit Doval say if Pakistan does 'one Mumbai' it may lose Balochistan
- His focus on Indian Defense sector is worth noticing, as the Indian Defense Budget crossed ₹3 Lakh Crore under Modi regime (Feb 01, 2019). Look at the latest feat under Make in India!
Checking out the tanks at L&T's Armored Systems Complex in Hazira.
Recognizing the Valour :
- Now India has a Police War Memorial - 72 years after Independence!
- Our PM celebrated Diwali with our soldiers for five consecutive years!
- He's is probably the first leader to don a ‘Netaji’ cap rather than the typical Gandhi cap.
Values Indian Culture by Heart :
Ancient India was a hub of culture and technology and the absolute capital of world spirituality.
In the modern world, ancient India is sorely UNDERRATED, but wait as a first step…
- International Yoga Day - declared after an unprecedented support to India's initiative by 177 countries. Yet, India didn’t file any patent!
No patent for yoga means world has gained from it: Suresh Prabhu
Foreign Visits :
This man has single-handedly uplifted India’s position in the International arena. Many blame him for his frequent visits, but the impacts are far reaching…
- Speaking in Hindi - Narendra Modi has made us proud again, by upholding our roots and deciding to speak in Hindi at all world stages, be it UNGA, US Congress, Australian, or British Parliament. It's a soft and subtle message to the world about our renewed vision for self-sustenance. Such small decisions are widely observed and carefully studied by International Relations' observers, and no wonder Modi is sending out a strong message!
I don't have to tell anything about his communication or oratory skills. Even his opponents accept that he is one of the best orators. He wooed people across the world with his speeches made at their respective Parliaments, and became the 1st Indian PM to do so.
- Proud Moments - winning accolades all over the world.
Many say that he is against Muslims, but even Islamic Countries conferred him with their Highest Civilian Honors, which for sure, is a proud moment!
- Narendra Modi conferred Saudi Arabia’s Highest Civilian Honor “Abdulaziz Al Saud” in 2016, Afghanistan’s Highest Civilian Honor “Amir Amanullah Khan Award” in 2016, and Palestine’s Highest Civilian Honor for foreign dignitaries “Grand Collar of the state of Palestine” in 2018.
A Tech-lover :
- At Tesla Factory, Fremont(USA), with Elon Musk himself explaining certain things to PM Modi!
- Using Technology for creating mass awareness - PM Modi is quite active on Social Media, and is the 3rd most followed world leader on twitter, and he makes very good use of his social media reach. The hashtag #SelfieWithDaughter started trending worldwide after Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, asked people to post their photos during his radio address ‘Mann ki Baat’, and guess what? It became No. 1 Twitter trend in India and was also listed in worldwide trends.
- Also, you might have noticed that, he prefers electronic inauguration/foundation laying of every project.
Changing Trends with Confidence :
Some perfect ‘then and now’ or 'before Modi - after Modi' moments…
- Past incidents of US humiliating Indian dignitaries i.e. before Modi government:
- Former Defense minister George Fernandez was strip-searched twice at Washington's Dulles international airport in 2002 and 2003
- Former President Kalam was frisked at the Delhi airport itself by employees of an American airline when he was travelling to New York in 2009.
- Prior to Narendra Modi becoming the Prime Minister of India, the US Government had made it known that Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat would not be permitted to travel to the US.
BUT,
After becoming the PM of India, see how America treated Modi - no any incident of misbehavior with Indians at US Airports reported so far.
- When PM Modi got a full house reception of staggering 18,000 people chanting his name in Madison Square Garden, New York.
- See also, the digital pioneers across the world praising PM Modi for his work for giving a boost to the digital revolution with his Digital India project.
and in UK…
His critics falsely claimed that he has no influence outside his native state - Gujarat.
- Even CHINA couldn’t resist welcoming our PM!
- Some ‘Rarest of Rare Moments’ - it probably happens only with India.
Remember, when India was portrayed as the Land of Snake Charmers by “them” in front of the foreigners? and no doubt, accordingly they treated us!
Work Hard and Accept Criticism :
He is respected all over the world, but abused in his own country by the opposition party leaders and no doubt, their followers follow the suit!
He always made us proud back here in India while being outside, but is being criticized out of jealousy because, hardly any other Indian PM achieved such milestones! A bitter truth is, what PM Modi brought back to the country was indigestible to some people!
He once said, “I'm being criticized for working more.”
Yet he continued working…Even harder! PM Modi made a record of working maximum number of hours at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) despite so many foreign visits.
Extra-ordinary moves :
He ended the VIP Culture (Red Beacon) and continues winning hearts by his initiatives like this -
- Recently, he auctioned all his mementos received during various programmes. The proceeds will go towards Namami Gange project.
- Sleeping while traveling to save time, rather than in foreign hotels to shorten his trips. The way Modi manages time and his dedication towards India is truly incredible.
Truly the people’s PM : Always at the center of attraction :)
(There is a lot more still left to be added, but I think this will suffice.)
EDIT - As you people suggested to add The Global-Indian Economic point of view, here is something more to feel proud of :)
India under Modi carried out some really fundamental reforms: IMF chief economist
IEA praises Modi govt for taking electricity to every village; calls India 'star performer'
Read also -
Modi’s Swachh Bharat could save 3 lakh lives; WHO praises accelerated sanitation coverage in India
Bill Gates praises PM Modi's Swachh Bharat initiative, wants India to build on its success
I’ll conclude the answer with this -
- Kumbh Mela becoming Global - something like never before!
Thanks everyone for such an amazing response :)
Jai Hind!
Update 1 :
On March 27, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and announced that India has become the 4th nation, after US, China and Russia, to attain the capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space after the successful Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test. What makes this feat glorious is that it is based on completely indigenous technology. A big message to the world and our ‘neighbours’!
What is Mission Shakti and why it is path-breaking
What is ASAT and how can it be used in war?
Why the world is unhappy with India's anti-satellite missile test
Update 2 :
4th April - Yet another Muslim country recognized the efforts our Prime Minister has put in. He continues making us proud :)
UAE Bestows PM Narendra Modi With Zayed Medal, The Country’s Highest Civil Decoration
"A Hard working 68 year old self-raised Indian who has not only surprised people across the world through his lifestyle and achievements, but has always inspired us with his vigor, zeal and love for our nation, Bharat!"
Update 3 :
India was the special invitee at the recent G-7 summit in France.
Update 4 :
Now, things that are proof of changing contours.
- ‘Howdy Modi’ event at Houston.
- In the last three months, the world saw PM Modi's Global Leader Avatar in so many ways.
- PM Modi leaves no stone unturned when it comes to uplifting India's unique cultural identity and rich heritage.
- JPMorgan International Council Meet in India.
Welcoming the group to India, PM Modi discussed about India's efforts in health, education and becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
