Modi pleaded me to put in good word for him with US govt after Gujarat Riots: Subramanian Swamy
New Delhi: In a recent tweet on Wednesday, Subramanian Swamy, an Indian politician and former Member of Parliament, made a significant claim regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Swamy stated that Modi had pleaded with him to put in a good word, as there were concerns that the United States might approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Gujarat riots.
Swamy shared a picture of himself with former US President Barack Obama and captioned it “Lest Modi forgets, I remind that he pleaded with me that I put in a good word since US may move the ICC on Gujarat riots.”
The tweet by Swamy has attracted attention and sparked discussions due to the context it implies. The Gujarat riots, which occurred in 2002, were a series of communal violence incidents in the state of Gujarat, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement. The riots, which primarily targeted the Muslim community, drew international attention and criticism.
Swamy's statement suggests that during that time, Modi, who was the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time of the riots, sought Swamy's assistance in potentially mitigating any actions that the United States might take against him at the ICJ. The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and handles disputes between states.
Following the Gujarat riots of 2002, concerns were raised about Modi's alleged role in the violence and his government's handling of the situation. The United States, along with several other countries, took a stance against Modi and decided to deny him entry into the country.
In 2005, the US State Department revoked Modi's existing tourist/business visa under a provision of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars entry to foreign government officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom. This decision came as a response to the allegations of human rights violations during the Gujarat riots.
The visa ban remained in effect for nearly a decade, during which Modi was unable to visit the United States. However, after he became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, the situation changed. In 2014, the US government, under President Barack Obama, lifted the visa ban and welcomed Modi to visit the United States.
Lest Modi forgets, I remind that he pleaded with me that I put in a good word since US may move the ICC on Gujarat riots. pic.twitter.com/a2iEoi5Ozh
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) May 31, 2023
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Empowering Bengaluru: Hitachi Rail Supports Sanjay Gandhi And St Josephs
Corporate Social Responsibility is often spoken about, but meaningful action is what truly makes a difference. In Bengaluru, Hitachi Rail STS India has demonstrated how responsible corporate engagement can directly support society by strengthening healthcare services and promoting education for students who need support.
As part of its CSR initiatives, the company has contributed ₹66 lakh towards important community causes in the city. The contributions focus on two critical areas that shape the well-being and future of society — healthcare and education.
A significant portion of the contribution, ₹50 lakh, has been donated to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru. The funds will be used to purchase essential medical equipment that will help the hospital enhance its healthcare services. With growing patient needs and increasing demand for advanced medical facilities, such support plays an important role in strengthening public healthcare infrastructure.
The cheque for this contribution was formally handed over by Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa, Director and Head of Hitachi Rail STS India, to Dr. Madan Ballal, Director of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. The gesture highlights the company’s commitment to ensuring that hospitals serving large sections of the public have the tools and equipment required to deliver better treatment and care.
Healthcare support, however, was only one part of the company’s broader community effort. Recognising that education remains the foundation of long-term social progress, Hitachi Rail STS India also contributed ₹16 lakh to the Jesuit Education Society in Bengaluru, a unit of St. Joseph’s School and College. The funds will be used to support students who require financial assistance, enabling them to continue their education and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manoj Kumar Krishnappa emphasised that the company believes businesses have a responsibility that goes beyond commercial success. According to him, initiatives that strengthen healthcare systems and support the education of underprivileged students help create a stronger and more inclusive society.
Such initiatives reflect a broader philosophy within Hitachi Rail STS India — that corporate growth and social responsibility must move together. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and educational support, the company aims to contribute to lasting improvements in the communities where it operates.
Hitachi Rail STS India is widely recognised as a leading provider of advanced railway signalling and transportation solutions. The company focuses on innovation, safety, and sustainable mobility in the transportation sector. At the same time, through its CSR initiatives, it continues to extend its impact beyond engineering and infrastructure by supporting social development and community welfare.
In a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru, partnerships between institutions and responsible corporate entities can play a crucial role in addressing social challenges. Contributions such as these not only strengthen healthcare facilities and educational access but also set an example of how industry can actively participate in building a healthier and more equitable society.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
