PM Modi's US visit: Adani, Amul 'platinum patrons' for Madison event

NEW YORK: For Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rock-star like reception by over 18,000 Indian-Americans, Gujarat-based Adani and Amul groups are among the 'diamond patrons'.

As people began assembling hours in advance to hear Modi at the iconic Madison Square Garden, a huge indoor stadium generally used for music concerts and sporting events, they were greeted with huge screens sporting names of 'welcoming partners' as also that of 'Gold Patrons' and 'Diamond Patrons'.

While the list of welcoming partners mostly included names of various Indian-American associations and organisations, that of Diamond Patrons comprised of Adani, Amul, Essar and Sun Pharma.

Other patrons were NRI TV, Bio Urja and Navika Group of Companies.

The organisers of the event have not disclosed the total cost of the event officially, but the estimated expenses could be over USD 1.5 million. The rental of entire venue itself is estimated at about half a million dollars.

Gautam Adani, head of largely Gujarat-based business conglomerate Adani group, is considered to be very close to Modi and is among the select group of top industrialists from India who have come to the US for the Prime Minister's five-day visit.

Adani was also in attendance during Modi's speech at the UN General Assembly yesterday.

Modi's visit is considered to be very important for strengthening the economic ties between the two countries.