'India is reaching for the stars under Modi'

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the world stage with a stirring address to the UN general assembly, an influential US daily noted how Modi once unwelcome in US was getting a "rock star" reception.

A leading financial magazine advised why investors should bet on India under Modi, while a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate advised President Barack Obama to "rise to the occasion and put US-India relations" back on a path of cooperation.

With his UN Speech Modi had inserted India into terrorism fight, said the influential New York Times noting how he "reminded the world on Saturday of his country's abiding battle against extremist groups, and took a swipe at countries that give them shelter."

Modi, it said "signalled his support for the United States' renewed focus on fighting terrorism, and showed that he clearly understands the value of political symbolism."

"Even before he arrived at the United Nations, he paid a visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan," the Times noted.

"In his meetings at the White House scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, security and counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries is certain to be on the agenda," it said.

Fortune Magazine advising why investors should bet on India noted Modi "is known for his pro-business policies, and his steady efforts to draw foreign investments could plant the seeds for a more prosperous India."

"Since he took office in May, Modi has begun to execute on the systematic reformation of India's inefficient and bureaucratic markets to make them friendlier and more open for investors and businesses."

"India is reaching for the stars, both figuratively and literally, with an ambitious programme of modernization and free market growth that can generate wealth for itself as well as its trading partners," Fortune said suggesting, "That is a trend worth supporting."

Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio, a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate suggested that "Unfortunately, the Obama administration has neglected the relationship and failed to build on the significant accomplishments of the George W. Bush administration in strengthening US-India relations,"

In an op-ed for the Daily Signal Rubio, who is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said the fact that India is the world's largest democracy was something that must be capitalised on.

Rubio also acknowledged India's sizable Muslim population and its important "stake in the global effort to combat radical Islam and promote tolerance."

"Obama should rise to the occasion and put US-India relations back on a path to closer cooperation truly befitting the potential of our two great democracies," Rubio concluded.

In another story the New York Times noted how "the Indians who draw crowds of adoring fans are usually tall and sultry, with washboard abs and elaborate outfits, Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan - described by some as the Brad Pitt of India - or Priyanka Chopra, the bombshell actress, singer and model."

"But this time it is a teetotaller and bachelor who has boasted of his 56-inch chest and wears a simple cotton shirt," it said noting, Modi "will receive a rally fit for a rock star at Madison Square Garden on Sunday."

For Modi and his supporters, the visit, the Times said, "is also a moment to connect with members of the broad Indian diaspora in the United States."

Many Indians in the US, it said "see Modi as India's savior: a strong leader who has pledged to cut through red tape, stamp out corruption, revive India's economy and restore pride.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)