Respect for India has risen significantly across the globe now: PM Narendra Modi after Delhi reception

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the respect for the country has risen significantly across the globe and the world now acknowledges India as a great nation. PM Modi made these remarks shortly after arriving home following a ''very productive'' week-long US visit.

Addressing a huge gathering outside the Palam airport, the PM said, ''There has been a change in the attitude of global leaders towards India and that the country’s stature has gone up immensely since 2014. Talking about the 'Howdy, Modi' event, the PM said that it was a huge success and wherever he went he was greeted by “Howdy Modi”.

“After assuming office in 2014, I went to the UN. I went to the UN even now. In these five years, I have seen a big change. The respect for India, the enthusiasm towards India has increased significantly. This is due to the 130 crore Indians,” PM Modi said.

Mentioning the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on terror launch pads three years ago, PM Modi paid his respects to the armed forces personnel for keeping the integrity of India intact.

“Three years ago, the brave soldiers of my country had showcased the glory of India before the world by executing the surgical strike. Remembering that night today, I salute the courage of our brave soldiers,” the PM said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a rousing welcome upon his arrival at the Palam airport. The PM was felicitated at an event outside Palam Technical Airport shortly after his arrival in Delhi after concluding his visit to the United States of America. The PM's fight landed at the Palam airport around 8.15 PM. PM Modi was recieved by BJP working president JP Nadda and top party leaders at the airport.

Speaking on the occasion, the PM thanked his party workers for giving a rousing welcome to him and the countrymen for their faith in his leadership and their unflinching support to him.

''I want to thank you all for coming in large numbers. This has been a memorable welcome back home. On this occasion, I bow to each and every Indian,'' the PM said.

Thousands of BJP workers, who had earlier gathered outside the Palam Technical Airport, shouted ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai'' and ''PM Modi Zindabad'' while welcoming the PM.

Party representatives from other states had also arrived at the airport to welcome PM Modi. The party had earlier made elaborate arrangements at the Palam airport for welcoming the PM.

The party had put banners and hoarding welcoming PM for his ''statesmanship and extraordinary speech'' at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Party workers carrying placards lined up on both sides of the main road outside the Palam airport from where the PM's cavalcade passed upon his arrival. A make-shift stage was erected outside the aiport from where the PM addressed the gathering after reaching here.   

BJP leaders had earlier claimed that more than 20,000 people will be present outside the Palam airport to welcome PM Modi.

During his week-long stay in the United States, the PM addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 74th session.

Addressing the UNGA session in New York, PM Modi said that terrorism is one of the greatest challenges for humanity and called upon the world leaders to unite against it for the sake of humanity.

He said that peace and harmony is the need of the hour as he invoked the words of Swami Vivekananda in Chicago where he urged the global community to avoid dissensions.

The Prime Minister said India has given ''Buddha to the world and not Yuddha.''

He also conducted a mega diaspora event with none other than US President Donald Trump in Houston, Texas. The event witnessed more than 50,000 Indian-Americans in attendance.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also met CEOs of big business giants and held various bilateral meetings with counterparts of other nations, officials.

Top BJP leadership hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "true statesman" for his "historic" speech at UNGA and congratulated him for putting India on the world stage as a leading voice.

Taking to Twitter soon after PM Modi's speech, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''like a true statesman, PM Modi has not only conveyed the message of universal brotherhood but also reminded the world of India`s unprecedented contribution towards global peace.''

"From Jan Bhagidari to Jan Kalyan to Jag Kalyan is the new mantra for the world to follow. I congratulate PM Modi for a historic speech at UNGA," he said.

Shah said the Prime Minister perfectly summed up India's cultural ethos and aspirations of 130 crore Indians and the country`s resolve to build a better future for our people.

"PM Modi has put India on the world stage as a leading voice of reason and purpose," he added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said PM Modi`s appeal to the world for a united effort against terrorism was his most important message."Congratulations to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for delivering a powerful message at UNGA. His speech was a manifestation of India`s imprint and intent at the global stage. His appeal to world for a united effort against terror was his most important message," he tweeted.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also thanked the Prime Minister for strongly putting forward 130 crore Indians voice at world forum."He opened the eyes of world from issues ranging from global warming to terrorism. It is again proved that the world can move ahead for peace under India`s leadership," he said in a tweet.

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal that the Prime Minister`s message on combating terrorism, Indian heritage and inclusive development, displayed statesmanship.