Delhi: PM Narendra Modi felicitated at an event outside Palam Technical Airport, on his arrival in Delhi after conc… https://t.co/mJDHkm77zQ — ANI (@ANI) 1569683738000

(With inputs from agencies)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited 130 crore citizens of the country for India's rising global profile and said that in the past five years, respect for India has increased significantly at the world stage.Addressing a sea of supporters who had gathered near the Palam airport in New Delhi to welcome him, PM Modi said that he is grateful to those who turned out in large numbers to accord him a grand welcome and making it a "memorable" return for him.Talking about his visit to the United States, PM Modi said that since 2014, when he first addressed the UN general assembly, respect for India at the global stage has risen significantly."After winning elections in 2014, I went to the UN. I went to the UN even now. In these five years, I have seen a big change. The respect for India, the enthusiasm towards India has increased significantly. This is due to the 130 crore Indians," he said.The Prime Minister added that the success of the mega 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston last week shows the strength of the Indian community there."The programme in Houston, Howdy Modi was grand. The coming of US President Donald Trump was special. There were Republicans and Democrats. In addition to all this, what stands out is the manner in which the Indian community in USA, in Texas and in Houston showcased their presence," he said.Recalling the surgical strikes that took place three years ago on September 28, PM Modi said our brave soldiers showcased India's might and power on this very day by successfully carrying out the operation in Pakistan."Today is September 28. Three years ago, on the same day, I didn't sleep the entire night. Every second, I was waiting for the phone to ring. Three years ago, on this day, our brave soldiers carried out the surgical strikes and showed India's might to the world," he said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi today returned from his nearly a week-long trip to the US where he addressed the UN General Assembly and several events, including the mega "Howdy Modi!" diaspora gathering.The BJP had organised a grand welcome for the Prime Minister outside the Palam Technical Area where thousands of party workers gathered.Before leaving for Delhi, PM Modi thanked the American people for the "exceptional welcome, warmth and hospitality" and expressed confidence that the diverse range of programmes he attended during the stay will greatly benefit India and its development trajectory.