My friends in the UK, who have lived there for decades, tell me that the reception and honour that has been given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is rare. The world has realised the strength and potential of India.
Previously, we had leaders who were qualified but unable to inspire Indians overseas. In contrast, when Mr Modi spoke about an outstanding Muslim entrepreneur, praised the Sikhs who had laid down their lives to protect our motherland, and noted how Sufism could bring peace, he was cheered by the audience in one voice.
Also, Mr Modi did well to answer head-on the question from a British journalist about the supposed ‘travel ban’ after the 2002 post-Godhra violence in Gujarat. By pointing out that he had visited the UK in 2003, the Prime Minister set the facts straight. He rightly underlined that India is a diverse and pluralistic democracy.