Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently returned to India after wrapping up a three-day visit to the United States, where he engaged with key global leaders and participated in significant summits aimed at enhancing cooperation and addressing various pressing issues. From discussions at the White House to gatherings with the Indian diaspora, the visit underscored India’s growing international influence.
The trip kicked off with Modi being warmly welcomed by members of the Indian community in Wilmington, Delaware, where he also held fruitful bilateral talks with President Joe Biden. This meeting focused on strengthening the already close ties between the two nations. Biden expressed optimism about the relationship, stating, “The United States’ partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.”
On the agenda was not just diplomacy with the United States, but also important multilateral discussions. The Prime Minister attended the Quad leaders' summit alongside Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This event was particularly significant as it served as a farewell summit for the outgoing leaders Kishida and Biden.
At the summit, Modi emphasized the importance of the Quad, saying, “Quad is here to stay,” and framed it as not being directed against any nation but rather as a coalition committed to democratic values and regional stability. He articulated the grouping's aspiration to promote peace and resolve conflicts through cooperation, particularly amid worldwide tensions.
The Quad leaders also launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot, aimed at combating cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. India has committed $7.5 million to improve cervical cancer care and prevention efforts across several countries. Modi remarked, “India is ready to share its experience and expertise,” as he outlined the significance of this initiative for healthcare advancement.
The Prime Minister's visit included engagement with leaders beyond just those from the Quad. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, forging discussions around broader global security during the UN Summit of the Future. This assembly also allowed Modi to reiterate India’s stance on global peace and the necessity of cooperative security approaches.
Central to the visit was also the gathering of the Indian diaspora, where over 13,000 Indian-Americans convened at Nassau Coliseum in New York. Modi praised this community for being integral to the India-US relationship, often serving as bridges between the two nations. He reflected on India’s transformation, stating, “Every Indian has confidence in India and its achievements,” and highlighted the socio-economic advancements made over the past decade.
Notably, during his remarks, Modi spoke about the substantial number of Indians lifted out of poverty under his administration. He pointed to the rising middle class as both a driver of economic growth and as evidence of effective governance reforms.
Further addressing the needs of the diaspora, Modi announced the opening of two new Indian consulates, one each in Boston and Los Angeles. This move is expected to serve the growing needs of the Indian-American community, marking another step forward in diplomatic and cultural engagement.
On the final day of his visit, Modi's speech at the UN featured strong calls for peace, stating, “The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not on the battlefield.” This aligns with his broader narrative of seeking dialogue and partnership rather than conflict.
By officially wrapping up his visit, PM Modi not only reinforced existing partnerships and initiated new collaborative efforts but also cast India as a proactive player on the global stage, focused on health, governance, and enriching the connection with its diaspora. His trip is viewed as part of India's broader strategy to strengthen multilateral ties and take on leadership roles in regional and global affairs, highlighting the necessity of diplomacy over warfare.
