The BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president Nainar Nagendran discussed his recent visit to several U.S. states, outreach to the Indian diaspora and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047 in an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald. He also shared his views on U.S.-India relations and the role of Overseas Friends of BJP-USA in communicating the Indian government’s policies and development initiatives.
The conversation also focused on the BJP’s priorities in Tamil Nadu, its alliance with the AIADMK and efforts to bring more young people and women into the party. Drawing on his experience as a cabinet minister overseeing transport, electricity and industries, he discussed his approach to attracting investment and strengthening the party’s presence in the state.
What is the primary purpose of your recent visit to several U.S. states, and what insights have you gained from your interactions with members of the Indian diaspora?
India is a spiritual land, a sacred land that resonates with the chanting of Vedic mantras and has been guided by Siddha Purushas (spiritual sages). Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as one such great leader.
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Under his leadership, India is progressing toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. He is an exceptional leader who has provided good governance to Gujarat and India, serving as Chief Minister for 13 years and as Prime Minister for 12 years without electoral defeat.
The primary purpose of my visit to the United States is to communicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, thoughts and ideas to Indians living abroad.
Even though Indians are residing in the United States, they should follow Prime Minister Modi’s vision and invite Americans to India to experience our rich culture and traditions. Just as Prime Minister Modi invited the Chinese President to Tamil Nadu to showcase our cultural heritage and welcomed world leaders to India during the BRICS Summit in Delhi, I believe every Indian living abroad should invite Americans to India at least three times a year to introduce them to our culture and traditions.
I have also come to the United States to understand how much people here know about the greatness, heritage and achievements of our country.
What role does Overseas Friends of BJP-USA (OFBJP-USA) play in the United States, and how does it engage with and support the Indian diaspora?
Although members of Overseas BJP are living in the United States, they continue to work in the interest of India.
Through social media platforms, they communicate the various developmental initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi toward building a developed India.
They highlight the improvements made in India’s infrastructure, the measures taken to strengthen national security, and the initiatives undertaken for the country’s protection.
They also create awareness about India’s growing economic strength, the progress in GDP growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through social media platforms.
In addition, they communicate India’s positive image and goodwill to people who visit from the United States.
Certainly, Overseas Friends of BJP-USA will play an important role in communicating these achievements and the vision of a developed India.
How do you assess the current state of U.S.-India relations, and what significance does this partnership hold for the broader international community?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always maintained friendly relations with the leaders of various countries.
As a result of these diplomatic relationships, even during the war in Ukraine, he was able to facilitate the safe return of Indians.
Similarly, he helped bring back 742 Indians belonging to Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu from Iran during the war situation.
Furthermore, during the conflict, he had developed such strong diplomatic relationships and capabilities that Indian ships were able to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.
He has invited the Presidents of China, Russia and other countries to India, showcasing and promoting India’s greatness and cultural heritage.
In the same way, he continues to maintain friendly relations with the United States.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks 25 years as a head of government, how do you assess his governance record and the impact of his leadership on India’s global standing?
Indians living in the United States are celebrating and appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of good governance in various places, including New Jersey, Dallas, Houston and San Francisco.
Through these celebrations, they are expressing their pride in being Indians while living in the United States.
Such Indians genuinely wish and hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the country for more than another 25 years and that India will emerge as a superpower.
As India works toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, how do you view its progress under Prime Minister Modi, and what challenges remain?
From an economic perspective, India is currently one of the fastest-progressing nations.
Furthermore, through the Make in India initiative, we are now able to manufacture various products within our own country. We are also manufacturing defense equipment domestically.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, India developed its own vaccines and provided them free of cost to almost all friendly countries.
To this extent, India has now become a confident and self-reliant nation.
Therefore, without being deterred by any challenges, India will certainly transform into a developed nation by 2047.
Prime Minister Modi’s vision is based on development for everyone, following the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas (Together with All, Development for All, and Efforts by All).
India will achieve a significant position by 2047 through this approach. The person who laid the foundation for this transformation is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Following your appointment as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president, what are your main priorities for the party in the state?
After I became the State President, an alliance was formed within approximately one year.
We also formed an alliance with the AIADMK, and the primary focus was to formulate the necessary plans and contest the elections through this alliance.
However, in the coming years, the Bharatiya Janata Party will make every effort to bring more young people and members of the general public toward the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
In particular, we will focus on bringing more youth and women into the party and strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
We will work toward this objective and strive to strengthen the party in Tamil Nadu.
Drawing on your experience as a cabinet minister with multiple portfolios, how would you approach strengthening the BJP’s presence in Tamil Nadu, and what policies would you prioritize for the state’s development?
During my tenure as a Minister handling the Transport, Electricity and Industries portfolios in Tamil Nadu, we brought several industries into the state, including industries from foreign countries.
We provided the necessary assistance and support to those industries.
We facilitated their operations through measures such as electricity tariff arrangements, transport facilities and the Single Window System.
As a result, many industries came to Tamil Nadu during that period.
Although those industries have since moved away, when the BJP comes to power in Tamil Nadu in the coming years, we will certainly use our past experience to make arrangements to attract similar industries to the state.
What is the Role and Responsibilities of BJP Tamil Nadu NRI Wing?
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP Tamil Nadu NRI Wing works to promote the welfare, safety and well-being of Tamils and Indians worldwide.
Led by NRI Wing Tamil Nadu State President K. M. Sundaram, the wing assists people overseas with support and guidance from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs, BJP President Nitin Nibin and BJP Foreign Affairs In-charge Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale.
The wing’s responsibilities include rescue and emergency operations, repatriation of mortal remains, assistance to students, support for women and children, and coordination with Indian embassies and consulates.
It also works to connect the global Tamil diaspora and promote the development of Tamil Nadu and India. Its ultimate objective is to ensure that no Tamil or Indian living abroad feels helpless or alone during difficult circumstances.
