Delaware: US President Joe Biden warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a hug at his residence in Delaware on Saturday, marking the beginning of a significant bilateral meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on key global issues, including China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The leaders aim to explore ways to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The American delegation included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor T.H. Jake Sullivan, and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in the US for a three-day visit, which will include participation in the annual Quad summit and a key address at the United Nations. Upon landing at Philadelphia International Airport, he was greeted by a large crowd of enthusiastic Indian community members, engaging with them before heading to his hotel in Delaware.
At the Hotel duPont, PM Modi enjoyed a warm reception, featuring music and dance, including a vibrant Garba performance by local women. Expressing his delight in connecting with the community, he stated, “It’s always a delight to interact with them,” and shared his excitement for an upcoming Indian community event on Sunday.
In a social media post, PM Modi highlighted the positive impact of the Indian community in the US, announcing, “At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the Modi and US programme in New York City. Let’s celebrate the bonds that connect our nations!”
In addition to his meeting with Biden, PM Modi is scheduled to hold individual discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The upcoming Quad summit in Wilmington, Delaware, is anticipated to unveil several new initiatives.
Furthermore, PM Modi will engage in a roundtable discussion with CEOs from leading American tech companies, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductors. He will also attend an event for the Indian diaspora in Long Island, New York. Prior to his trip, he expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Quad leaders to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Following the Wilmington summit, PM Modi will travel to New York for the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN General Assembly, where he will address pressing issues of global peace and development.