Opinion: Formidable legislative records of PM Modi and President Biden

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As President Biden and the US Congress welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I would like to share my thoughts on why I have never been more bullish on US-India relationship. While I broadly agree with the consensus view that the relations between India and the United States is only bound to get better regardless of if it is a Democrat or Republican at the Oval Office, I am of the view that individual leaders matter as does the values, life lessons and personal chemistry they share.

Like me, even if you don’t agree with all their policies and political views, few can disagree that both President Biden and PM Modi has been transformational leaders with significant record of policy accomplishments that has elevated the status of their nations is the global arena. Here are some major legislative accomplishments of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden since they took office:

Narendra Modi:

Goods and Services Tax (GST): In 2017, the Modi government implemented the GST, a comprehensive indirect tax reform, aimed at streamlining India’s complex tax structure and promoting ease of doing business.

Demonetization: In 2016, Modi announced the demonetization of high-value currency notes to combat corruption, black money, and counterfeit currency. This move aimed to promote digital transactions and formalize the economy.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): The IBC was enacted in 2016 to provide a time-bound framework for resolving insolvency cases, promoting a transparent and efficient process for distressed businesses.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Launched in 2014, this nationwide cleanliness campaign aimed to improve sanitation and hygiene practices, including building toilets, promoting waste management, and eliminating open defecation.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launched in 2014, this financial inclusion program aimed to provide bank accounts, insurance, and financial services to the unbanked population in India.

Joe Biden:

American Rescue Plan Act: In 2021, Biden signed this $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package aimed at providing economic stimulus, including direct payments to individuals, extended unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine distribution, and aid to state and local governments.

American Jobs Plan: Announced in 2021, this infrastructure proposal aims to invest around $2 trillion in improving transportation, broadband access, clean energy, and modernizing public infrastructure while creating jobs.

American Families Plan: Proposed in 2021, this plan focuses on investing around $1.8 trillion in education, childcare, and healthcare, including measures such as universal pre-kindergarten, free community college, and expanded childcare tax credits.

COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: The Biden administration launched an ambitious vaccination campaign to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including initiatives to increase vaccine supply, establish vaccination centers, and promote vaccine education and outreach.

Reversing Immigration Policies: Through executive orders and proposed legislation, the Biden administration aimed to reverse several immigration policies, including the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, ending the travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, and proposing comprehensive immigration reform.

These are just some of the major legislative accomplishments of Prime Minister Modi and President Biden since taking office. President Biden had largely been true to his election promise to Restore the Soul of America. PM Modi has led India to become the #1 fastest growing Large Economy (9.5%); #1 in Digital Transactions; #1 in talent pool; and #1 in New Startups (with 1 unicorn every 9 days). None of this is a small feat, put together they are Transformational for India and for US-India relationship. That is why I am bullish on US-INDIA relations.

Dr. Suresh U. Kumar is the co-founder of Indian Americans for Biden-Harris, Professor of entrepreneurship at the NJ Institute of Technology and President of The Indus Entrepreneur- NJ. The views expressed above as his own and does not represent that of the organizations he is associated with. Email President.Tienj@gmail.com

(The views expressed a those of the author)