Lagatar24 Desk
New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-day “successful and substantial” visit to the United States on Monday. His visit included attending the Quad Leaders’ Summit, holding bilateral meetings, addressing the UN General Assembly at the Summit of the Future, and participating in a major event with the Indian-American community.
Modi’s visit began on Friday, where he attended the Quad Leaders’ meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by US President Joe Biden. During the summit, leaders from Australia, Japan, and India exchanged views on Indo-Pacific stability and mutual cooperation.
In a rare gesture, Biden hosted a bilateral meeting with PM Modi at his residence, where they discussed the procurement of 31 MQ-9B drones by India from General Atomics and other defence collaborations. They also celebrated the return of 297 Indian antiquities displayed at Biden’s residence, marking a significant cultural exchange.
Key Achievements During the US Visit
During the Quad Leadership Summit, the leaders announced the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a partnership aimed at reducing cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. India pledged USD 7.5 million towards this initiative. The Quad nationsalso launched the MAITRI Maritime Initiative, designed to enhance maritime security and monitor unlawful activities across the region.
Following the summit, PM Modi addressed over 13,000 Indian-Americans at an event in New York, emphasizing India’s transformation as a “land of opportunities”. He announced plans to open new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, in response to longstanding demands from the Indian-American community.
Engaging With US Business Leaders
PM Modi also held a roundtable discussion with leading CEOs from the US tech industry, discussing AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. He urged the CEOs to capitalize on India’s growth story, reinforcing India’s aim to become the third-largest global economy.
Addressing the UN General Assembly
On Day 3, PM Modi addressed the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing global cooperation and the need to avoid conflict. He stated, “The success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not on the battlefield.” Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to working towards global prosperity and human rights.
His speech marked the conclusion of a three-day visit that focused on enhancing India’s global standing through diplomatic, cultural, and economic engagement.