Indian Prime Minister Modi Strengthens Ties with US Leaders During Visit
Indian Prime Minister Modi addresses a crowd in Nassau County at an event celebrating US-India relations. (Photo: AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Last weekend, US President Joe Biden met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders from Japan and Australia to discuss the future of one of his key foreign policy platforms: the Quad Partnership. This partnership aims to counter China’s growing influence, particularly its recent actions in the South China Sea. However, in joint press statements, Quad members emphasized that their concerns extend to other nations, notably North Korea. In a recent press release, Quad members condemn North Korea’s “destabilizing ballistic missile launches” and “its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons,” which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions. This partnership has become an important step in Indo-Pacific international relations, with all four nations agreeing to a joint Coast Guard mission in the Indian Ocean and other projects aimed at enhancing regional stability.
During his visit, Modi spoke to a large audience in Nassau County, Long Island, to celebrate the cultural ties between India and the US. During the event, Modi praised the US and highlighted India’s recent accomplishments in the Chess Olympiad. He also emphasized the importance of democratic elections, just three months after his reelection. He stated that 2024 “is very important for the entire world,” while discussing the sanctity of democratic processes. Additionally, he celebrated the return of nearly 600 Indian artifacts that the US has sent back since 2016.
Members of the Quad Summit meet in Wilmington Delaware to discuss foreign relations in the Indo-Pacific region (Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
This visit took place during the UN General Assembly conference, where other world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, met with both US presidential candidates to ensure the continuation of positive relations with the US. While it is confirmed that Modi and Biden met during this visit, it remains unclear if the prime minister also met with former US President Donald Trump, who described Modi as “a close friend.”
Modi appears more aligned with Trump, as both are steadfast nationalists. In the past, they have hosted joint rallies, including the “Namaste Trump” and “Howdy Modi” events last year. Although Trump claimed he would meet with Modi last week, it remains unconfirmed if the meeting took place. Unlike the prime minister’s other meetings with key political figures, this alleged meeting was not reported.
The prime minister’s visit came at a crucial time as the US seeks to strengthen its relationship with India in response to China’s growing influence. Modi’s participation in the Quad Summit signals that this relationship is being fortified. Additionally, his speech encouraged the South Asian demographic to vote in this year’s presidential election, which could positively impact voter turnout this November.