Representatives of the Indian American community have proposed that the BJP-led Government should issue infrastructure bonds for the NRI community to tap the goodwill of the Indian diasporas.

The bonds could be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits the US in September on US President Barak Obama’s invitation, Sanjay Puri, Chairman, US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), said in a press conference on Thursday. Puri said that USINPAC has had extensive discussions with top financial institutions in the US and members of the Indian diasporas in several countries on the market viability of the proposed bonds and have had an overwhelmingly positive response.

“We have suggested that the infrastructure bonds can also be used to fund the ambitious Ganga conservation mission,” Puri said.

The USINPAC has suggested that the bonds be called `Vibrant India Bonds’ in order to leverage the brand awareness of `Vibrant India’.

Modi had launched a `Vibrant Gujarat’ campaign as the Chief Minister of the State and a `Vibrant Gujarat Global Investment Summit’ that takes place every two years.

The Committee is also working to ensure that Modi gets to address a Joint Session of the US Congress. “We are currently working with members of US Congress to build momentum for an address by Modi to the Joint Session of the US Congress,” Puri said.

Over 40 Congressmen have already informed the US Speaker of their wish to hear an address by him.

USINPAC is also working to organise a luncheon meeting with US Senators for the PM and a meeting with top US CEOs.

“It is only through such meetings that the US approach to tricky issues such as IPR, visa for professionals and supply of natural gas to India can be changed,” Puri added.

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