Murty, a nominated member of the Upper House, credited the shift in perception to India’s steady development and leadership over the past decade and a half, referring to policies under a “great leader” without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Author and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty on Monday said India’s global image has undergone a significant transformation over the past 15 years, drawing on her own experiences abroad to illustrate the change.
Speaking during the Rajya Sabha discussion on the Union Budget 2026, Murty recalled feeling “sad and humiliated” during her first visit to the United States in 1979, when immigration officials questioned her about conditions in India and treated her dismissively. She contrasted that experience with a visit about a decade ago, when US officials praised India’s progress and described Indians as “enterprising” and “hardworking”.
Murty, a nominated member of the Upper House, credited the shift in perception to India’s steady development and leadership over the past decade and a half, referring to policies under a “great leader” without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She said the 1979 experience proved to be a turning point in her life. Quoting advice from her husband, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, she said lasting respect comes from performance and contribution. The couple, she added, resolved to give back to the country through sincere work.
Describing her later visit to the US, Murty said customs officials treated her warmly and acknowledged India’s thriving technology ecosystem, comparing Bengaluru to Silicon Valley. She said officials also pointed to the rise of Indian startups and noted the global presence of Indian food and businesses, adding that many Americans now travel to India for affordable medical and dental care.
Murty linked the improved global perception to consistent economic growth, stable governance and long-term policymaking, saying progress takes time but can strengthen India’s standing on the world stage.
She also recounted a recent interaction with UK immigration officials, who were sceptical when she listed 10 Downing Street as her London address, noting that few believed a “simple” elderly woman could be the mother-in-law of then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Welcoming provisions in the Union Budget, Murty praised proposals related to infrastructure, women’s hostels in every district and markets for women entrepreneurs. She also called for expanded cultural initiatives, including Project Mausam, aimed at strengthening ties across the Indian Ocean region through cultural diplomacy.
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