US visit set to boost Brand Modi

This Sunday about 20,000 people will gather at the Madison Square Garden in New York to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Experts said this is a statement not only for Brand India but Brand Modi. Sam Balsara, CMD Madison World, said, “Brand Modi is strong in India, but it is even stronger among the Indian diaspora.”

Responding to an email query by

BusinessLine , Anand Shah, spokesperson for the India American Community Foundation, said, “Not only is this way bigger than any previous visit (by an Indian Prime Minister), it is perhaps the largest gathering to hear a foreign head of state in the American history. The interest is incredible, people are travelling up to 6,000 km to hear the PM speak for only an hour, and many are even coming from India.”

Nearly 30,000 people had signed up within two weeks not only from the US, but also from Canada to be part of this public reception for the Prime Minister. The organisers – Indian American Community Foundation – conducted a lottery to allot these free tickets and for the ones who couldn’t get a chance to be at Madison Square Garden, there will be a live broadcast of his speech at the iconic Times Square.

Over 400 Indian-American organisations have joined hands with the organisers to become “Welcome Partners” for this community Reception.

Others also believe that this is likely to also have an impact on the American community. This is just one of the events that Modi will be attending in his packed schedule during his US visit which begins from Friday as he will try and influence various stakeholders.

Santosh Desai, CEO and Managing Director, Future Brands, said, “There is enthusiasm and adoration and usually there is not this kind of adoration for a political figure. This is bound to create an impact not only on the Indian diaspora, but the American community too will take note of this.”

Added brand expert Harish Bijoor, “This is a big brand statement for India and Brand Modi. It shows Modi has the ability to draw people not only in India but also in the heart of New York.”

Brand experts also point out that Modi, who is among the most followed politician on Twitter, has successfully managed to connect with the aspirations of his target audience.

Nalin Khanna, CEO Vertebrand, said, “Modi has become the face of India across the globe. His strategy of focusing on owning India, and not just owning the BJP is working well for Brand Modi.”

PTI adds: Describing America as India’s “natural global partner”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the complementary strengths of the two democracies can be used for inclusive and broad-based development to transform lives across the globe.

“The US is our natural global partner. India and the US embody the enduring and universal relevance of their shared values,” Modi wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal .

He said the thriving Indian-American community in the US is a metaphor for the potential of India-US partnership, and for the possibilities of an environment that nurtures enterprise and rewards hard work.