New Delhi:

BJP’s allies on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership following his visit to the US, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asserting that they are “lucky” to be working under such a statesman who has strengthened India’s position in the comity of nations.

To showcase the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s unwavering faith in Prime Minister Modi, its leaders posted messages on X, showering accolades on the Prime Minister and praising his successful trip to the US.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar said Prime Minister Modi’s successful visit to the US will have far-reaching and positive outcomes and added that the warm welcome accorded to him by world leaders and the Indian diaspora render his leadership more strength.

Other allies, including Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, and Union ministers H D Kumaraswamy and Jitan Ram Manjhi, both former CMs as well, also praised the prime minister.

Mr Shinde said Prime Minister Modi’s US visit has shown once again why he is a global statesman and trendsetter par excellence. In a short visit, he has been able to cover many sectors, which will strengthen India’s journey to progress, he added.

Mr Shinde said, “As Indians, we feel very proud to see when our Prime Minister is welcomed specially by American President Biden to his personal residence and school.” He welcomed the prime minister’s engagement with tech and business leader, saying his efforts to draw investments will naturally benefit Maharashtra.

“I am particularly happy that PM Modi ensured the return of almost 300 antiquities from USA. It is important a leader keeps in touch with his cultural roots and this is exactly what PM Modi is doing,” Shinde said.

TDP president Naidu said, “We are lucky to be working under the leadership of such a statesman. He has strengthened India’s position in the comity of nations and has unarguably emerged as a tall world leader, bringing communities and countries together.” He said Modi’s address to the United Nations stands as a testimony to the importance world leaders associate with India and the significance of the role it is poised to play on the global stage in the coming years.

Mr Kumar said the decisions taken by India and the US will open the door for investment in cutting-edge technology and development.

The people of Bihar are enthusiastic about the announcements made during the trip to the US and the opportunities they will create, he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said Prime Minister Modi’s consistent hard work to achieve the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ is extremely inspiring.

The former Karnataka CM said the wide array of issues Modi handled in such a short span of time is indeed amazing, ranging from nuclear energy to cervical cancer vaccine, semiconductors, Al, biotechnology, quantum technology, return of our antiquities and many other topics.

The pictures of his warm interactions with the Indian diaspora also touched a chord, he added.

Mr Manjhi, a former Bihar CM, hailed Modi as a global leader and described his three-day visit as unprecedented. Modi’s address at the UN will be remembered by the world, he added.

Every Indian felt proud at the affection the world has for the prime minister, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Addressing the UN’s Summit of the Future, PM Modi said, “In the biggest elections of human history held in June, the people of India gave me the opportunity to serve them for a third straight time. Today, I have come to bring the voice of one-sixth humanity to you. When we talk about the global future, then human-centric approach should be our priority. Prioritising sustainable development, we will have to ensure human welfare, food and health security.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome in Philadelphia as he kicked off his three-day visit to the United States, on Saturday.

A large number of people from the Indian community in the US had gathered at the Philadelphia International Airport to give a warm welcome to PM Modi.

People from the Indian community held a cultural event which saw dance performances by various artists to welcome the prime minister.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome in Philadelphia as he kicked off his three-day visit to the United States, on Saturday.

A large number of people from the Indian community in the US had gathered at the Philadelphia International Airport to give a warm welcome to PM Modi.

People from the Indian community held a cultural event which saw dance performances by various artists to welcome the prime minister.
 

Washington:

India does not seek its dominance but wants to play a role in the prosperity of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, asserting that India’s role will be crucial in accelerating the global peace process.

Addressing thousands of Indian-Americans in New York, PM Modi said India today has a foreign policy of maintaining equal closeness with all and not equal distance.

Referring to his remarks “This is not the time for war,” PM Modi told the Indian community that the severity and the seriousness of this was understood by all friends.

“Whenever in the world there is a disaster, India has come forward as a first responder,” the prime minister said, referring to the recent help provided by New Delhi to people across the world including during the COVID-19 crisis to more than 150 countries.

India is the first country to arrive whenever there is an earthquake somewhere or a civil war somewhere, he said.

“The role of India would be crucial to accelerate the process of global growth, and India’s role will be crucial to accelerate global peace,” he said.

India’s goal is not to increase its global influence but to play a part in its prosperity.

Whether it is promoting yoga, lifestyle or the environment, it does not aspire for only a GDP-centric but a human-centric growth for all of you, he said, adding that India “does not want to seek its global dominance”.

India, he said, is not like fire. “We are like the sun which gives brightness,” the prime minister said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New York:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he has set very ambitious goals in his third term to make the country a developed nation and asserted that India today is a land of opportunities.

“After going through this tough election process, this long election system, something unprecedented happened in India (this year). What happened… “Abkibaar Modi Sarkaar,” PM Modi said in his address to thousands of Indian Americans in New York.

“For the first time in 60 years, the people of India have given a mandate which has great significance. During my third term, I have very ambitious goals to achieve. We have to move forward with three times the strength,” he said.

PM Modi said he has dedicated his life for good governance and for a prosperous India. Observing that destiny brought him to politics, he said he had never thought of becoming a chief minister or prime minister. Over the last 10 years, people have seen this model of governance and thus have voted him to power for a third term, he added.

The prime minister was addressing a packed Nassau Veterans Coliseum with more than 13,000 Indian Americans. While the majority of them were from the New York and New Jersey area, Indian Americans came in from 40 States, organisers said. Sixty charter buses were used for transportation purposes.

Applauding the role of Indian Americans in strengthening the relationship between India and the US, he called them as India’s brand ambassadors. Referring to a Sanskrit shloka that “it is those who make sacrifices reap benefits”, the prime minister said wherever the Indian diaspora lives, they contribute to the societal and national development in every field.

In his remarks, the prime minister touched upon the celebration of democracy across the world, in particular in India and the US.

“While the elections in India are over, it’s under process in the United States. The elections that were just held in India were the biggest elections so far in human history. When we see the scale of India’s democracy, we are even more proud,” he said.

PM Modi applauded the role of Indian Americans in making the country and community proud.

“Just yesterday, President Biden took me to his home in Delaware. His affection, his warmth, it was a moment that touched my heart. This respect is for the 140 billion Indians. This respect is for you, for your achievements, for the hundreds and thousands of Indians living here,” he said and called Indian Americans as India’s brand ambassador.

He also referred to the recently concluded T-20 World Cup in the United States.

India, he said, is now aspiring to be the third largest economy of the world from the fifth position. “Today, people of India, he said, are full of self-confidence, they have resolve and determination to achieve their goal,” he said, adding development in India has now become a people’s movement.

“Every Indian has confidence in India, its achievements. India today is a land of opportunities. It’s no longer waiting for opportunities. It is now creating opportunities,” he said, adding that in just a decade 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty.

“This was possible because we changed our old way of thinking. We changed our approach. We empowered the poor,” he told the Indian Americans. It is this new middle class, which is accelerating the development of India, he said.

An entertaining cultural performance was the main highlight of the event before the prime minister arrived. The Echoes of India – A Journey Through Art and Tradition, showcased 382 nationally and internationally known artists. Prominent among them including Grammy award nominee Chandrika Tandon, STAR Voice of India winner and superstar Aishwarya Majumdar, Instagram’s Dancing Dad Ricky Pond, and singing sensation Rex DSouuza, in a seamless experience of India’s cultural diversity.

There were unique performances by 117 artists, impressing and entertaining attendees as they enter the coliseum. Organisers said more than 30 classical, folk, modern and fusion performances will pay homage to the rich and diverse cultures of India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These antiquities were smuggled out of the country and were recovered. Trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit.

“Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India,” PM Modi said on X.

He thanked President Joe Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts. He noted that these objects were not just part of India’s historical material culture, but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness.

With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the US alone will be 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India.

Some details of the antiquities returned by the US:

Some of the notable antiquities handed over to India include an ‘apsara’ in sandstone from central India belonging to 10-11th century CE, a Jain Tirthankar in bronze belonging to 15-16th century CE, terracotta vase from eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE, and a stone sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE.

Wilmington (US):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met US President Joe Biden on the margins of the Quad summit here and the two leaders were expected to discuss a range of issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“A special start to a significant visit. @POTUS @JoeBiden warmly received PM @narendramodi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware,” the prime minister’s office said in a post on X.

A special start to a significant visit.@POTUS@JoeBiden warmly received PM @narendramodi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. pic.twitter.com/zsvBWsGCe3

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 21, 2024

During the meeting, the two leaders were set to “review and identify new pathways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership”.

PM Modi was welcomed by Biden at his residence, where the two leaders hugged each other. Biden held PM Modi’s hand as he led him into the house.

“A warm and special beginning to an important visit. In a special gesture @POTUS Joe Biden hosts PM @narendramodi at his residence. PM @narendramodi warmly received by @POTUS Joe Biden at Greenville, Delaware ahead of their bilateral meeting,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

The Ukraine war and PM Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv is expected to figure prominently in the bilateral meeting, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan earlier said.

“My meeting with President Biden will allow us to review and identify new pathways to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership for the benefit of our people and the global good,” PM Modi had said in his departure statement in New Delhi.

PM Modi was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Ambassador of India to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The US team included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs T H Jake Sullivan and Ambassador of the US to India Eric Garcetti.

PM Modi, who is here as part of his three-day visit to the United States, will also hold separate bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who are here for the Quad Summit.

The annual Quad summit being hosted by President Biden in his hometown Wilmington is expected to roll out a series of new initiatives to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

The four-member Quad, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, advocates upholding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Beijing sees it as an anti-China grouping.

In his departure statement in New Delhi, PM Modi said he looked forward to joining his colleagues President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Kishida for the Quad Summit.

“The forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

The Quad leaders are also set to unveil a “milestone” initiative to prevent, detect, treat and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families.

Earlier, a large group of the Indian diaspora greeted PM Modi upon his arrival at the Philadelphia International Airport, from where he travelled to Wilmington.

PM Modi greeted a group of people dressed in traditional attire, with many of them holding the Indian tri-colour. He walked along the fenced area, signed autographs for some of them and shook hands with some others.

“An energetic welcome in Philadelphia! Our diaspora’s blessings are greatly cherished,” PM Modi said in another post on X.

“The Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them,” the prime minister said. “Let’s celebrate the bonds that connect our nations!” From Wilmington, PM Modi will travel to New York to attend an Indian community event at Long Island on September 22 and address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly the next day.

The prime minister’s other engagements include joining an Indian diaspora event at Long Island and participating in a round table with CEOs of American firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors.

“I am eagerly looking forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora and important American business leaders, who are the key stakeholders and provide vibrancy to the unique partnership between the largest and the oldest democracies of the world,” PM Modi said.

“The Summit of the Future is an opportunity for the global community to chart the road ahead for the betterment of humanity. I will share the views of one-sixth of humanity as their stakes in a peaceful and secure future are among the highest in the world,” the prime minister said.

The ‘Summit of the Future’ will bring leaders from various countries to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a “better present and safeguard the future,” according to the UN.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The meeting of the Quad – a grouping of India, the US, Australia and Japan- comes at an important time amid an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.

Here Are 10 Points In This Big Story:

The meeting of the Quad – a grouping of India, the US, Australia and Japan- comes at an important time amid an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.

Here Are 10 Points In This Big Story: