Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, continued his multi-day visit to the United States with an address at a cultural celebration on Long Island on September 23, 2024. The event, held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, drew an audience of approximately 13,000 people.
Modi shared two significant announcements with the attendees. First, he conveyed India's recent success at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where the nation secured gold medals in both men's and women's tournaments. This achievement highlights India's prowess in chess, a game believed to have originated in the country around the 6th century AD.
Secondly, Modi acknowledged the United States' return of nearly 300 antiquities to India. This gesture is part of a larger effort to combat antiquities trafficking, a global issue in cultural heritage preservation. Since 2016, the US has repatriated almost 600 cultural artifacts to India, demonstrating the strengthening ties between the two nations.
The Prime Minister's visit to the US comes at a time of global significance. Modi remarked on the current international landscape, noting the presence of conflicts between various countries while also highlighting the celebration of democracy in others. He emphasized the shared commitment to democratic values between India and the United States, both being prominent democracies with India holding the distinction of being the world's largest by population.
Modi's US tour included participation in a summit of the Quad, an informal strategic dialogue involving the US, Japan, Australia, and India. The meeting, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, underscores the growing importance of this alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.
"This year, 2024, is a very important one for the entire world. On the one hand, there are conflicts raging between several countries in the world, there is tension. And on the other, democracy is being celebrated in several countries of the world. India and America are also together in this celebration of democracy."
The Prime Minister's schedule also includes an anticipated appearance at a United Nations summit preceding the General Assembly. This engagement reflects India's active participation in global affairs and its push for a more prominent role in international organizations, including its aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Modi's visit to the US highlights the multifaceted nature of India-US relations, encompassing cultural exchanges, strategic partnerships, and shared democratic values. As India continues to assert itself on the global stage, with one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, such diplomatic engagements play a crucial role in shaping its international standing and fostering stronger ties with key allies.