Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his three-day visit to the United States in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday. His first official event was the 6th Quad Leaders’ Summit, that U.S. President Joe Biden hosted. Modi attended the summit with leaders from Japan and Australia to have strategic discussions toward stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
While in Delaware, members of the Indian diaspora hosted Modi with a warm reception at the Hotel duPont. The evening was an indication of the links between the diaspora members in the U.S. and home. Modi commented on the great contributions of the Indian community: “The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA and has contributed positively to a wide range of fields.” Modi also voiced his eagerness to address the diaspora, in New York, inferring the importance of the community to the U.S.-India relationship.
A high priority on Modi’s agenda is his bilateral talks with President Biden, which is similar to the talks Modi had with Barack Obama in 2014. The bilateral meeting will as a whole deepen what both countries have come to refer to as the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Although any diplomatic meetings of this nature are opaque to the public, one expects a great number of issues to be brought to the table – defense and security, trade, investment, and so on – emblems of diverging cooperation by both countries. Given the fluidity with which global matters have developed, the meeting comes at a crucial time for both countries.
After his engagements in Delaware, Modi will travel south to New York City where he will address a gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 22. The colosseum can hold thousands of attendees, who will be paying close attention as Modi outlines his vision for India’s future as well as India’s future relationship with the wider Indian diaspora.
On September 23, the Prime Minister is scheduled to engage at the United Nations ‘Summit of the Future.’ He will deliver an address that will emphasise reforms to global governance, climate change, and sustainable development while highlighting India’s commitment to these important issues. The summit will give India an opportunity to model its views on the changing geopolitical environment, and its role in it as a major power globally.
Modi’s trip to the U.S. is being perceived as a key development in strengthening India-U.S. relations and on cooperation on regional and global issues. The Prime Minister’s engagement with the Indian diaspora and meetings at the highest levels, suggest the strategic importance of the trip in advancing India’s global diplomatic and economic interests as well.
