Howdy Modi

Harnessing the Diaspora

- Amit Gupta

The optics of Howdy Modi were excellent: 50,000 wealthyIndian-Americans showed up to fete the Indian Prime Minister and the atmosphere was akin to that at a meeting at an American megachurch; Donald Trump was the perfect foil; a number of Congressmen, including influential members like Steny Hoyer and John Cornyn, were in attendance; and the Indian Prime Minister got coverage in the American media. But Howdy Modi can be much more than a public relations success. The Indian diaspora is willing to participate in the project known as Make in India. The Indian government lacks the vision to know how to do it but it can be done. In an age where India needs investments and technological knowledge, this is an imperative.

The Indian-American Diaspora

The Indian-American diaspora now numbers over 4.4. million people and the community is wealthy, well-educated, and increasingly politically influential. The community is easily the most wealthy minority in the United States and its wealth and accomplishments continue to grow. The median household income of the community is now $107,000 while the American median household income is now $61,937 so the Indian diaspora is at almost double the American norm. It is also the best educated since nearly 80% of the community has a Bachelor’s degree and over 50% has a Masters degree or Ph.D. In contrast, 31% of Americans have a Bachelor’s degree.