Sunday, 22 September 2024
Sunday, 22 September 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 21 arrived in the US on a three-day visit, with the aim of deepening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. His visit included participation in the Quad summit, bilateral talks with US President Joe Biden on the first day and meeting the Indian community. PM Modi landed at Philadelphia for his onward journey to Wilmington.
At Philadelphia International Airport, PM Modi was greeted by a large group of Indian diaspora members dressed in traditional attire and waving the Indian flag. Prime Minister Modi walked along the fenced area, signed autographs, and shook hands with several members of the crowd, highlighting his connection with the Indian community abroad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by members of the Indian community upon his arrival at a hotel in Wilmington, Delaware.
On September 21, PM Modi held a meeting with US President Joe Biden in Greenville, Delaware. Biden said, that the India-US partnership is 'stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.' Their discussions took place in a warm setting, as Biden welcomed PM Modi into his home, and the two leaders shared a handshake and hug before proceeding to the talks. A joint statement issued after the meeting said the India-US partnership is 'decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good', calling it the 'defining partnership of the 21st century'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an 'extremely fruitful' meeting with US President Joe Biden, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. Modi was joined by key officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra. On the US side, the delegation featured Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.
At the Quad summit, hosted by President Biden in Wilmington, Modi reinforced that the group is focused on promoting a 'rules-based international order' rather than targeting any specific country. Modi affirmed that 'Quad is here to stay,' emphasising its role in fostering partnerships and supporting sovereignty. "We are not against anyone. We all support a rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of all issues," Modi said, without naming any country.
US President Joe Biden on September 21 rolled out the red carpet to welcome leaders of QUAD countries, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India, Anthony Albanese from Australia and Fumio Kishida of Japan. Alongside Australian PM Japanese PM, the leaders discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. "Free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is our priority," Modi said in his opening remarks. PM Modi held 'very good' meetings with his Japanese and Australian counterparts on the sidelines of the Quad Summit and exchanged views to deepen bilateral cooperation further for mutual benefits.
On September 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by US President Joe Biden for an 'intimate' dinner, where the menu featured a wide selection of dishes, including a variety of vegetarian options catering to Modi's dietary preferences. For non-vegetarians, there was wagyu beef, considered among the finest in the world.
During the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a grant of USD 7.5 million for cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad Cancer Moonshot aims to save lives by combating cervical cancer in the region. "India is ready to share its experience and expertise," Modi stated, highlighting that the grant aligns with India's 'One Earth, One Health' vision. He also emphasised that India will support radiotherapy treatment and capacity building in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on Sunday to attend an Indian community event and address a conclave at the United Nations. He will participate in the community event in Long Island on September 22 and deliver his address at the "Summit of the Future" at the UN General Assembly on September 23.
