Modi in US LIVE: PM arrives in New York as US returns 297 antiquities to India

US President Joe Biden commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ukraine last month and his message of peace, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks that figured pressing global challenges including the situation in the war-ravaged country.

The US President hosted Modi at his personal home in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday afternoon hours after the prime minister arrived in the US on a three-day visit.

At a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while answering a question on defusing the Ukraine crisis, said “very important” conversations are underway with multiple people on all sides of the conflict.

In the talks, Biden conveyed to the Indian prime minister that the US supports initiatives to reform global institutions to reflect India’s important voice, including permanent membership for New Delhi in a reformed UN Security Council, according to a joint fact-sheet on the meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden in Wilmington was an emotional one, marking their final meeting in an official capacity as the American leader is not seeking reelection.

The US President hosted Modi at his personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday and the two leaders held wide-ranging talks covering various key aspects of India-US ties.

Over the last four years, Modi and Biden have developed a close friendship and have worked together on addressing several global and regional issues. Last year, Biden hosted Modi for the historic official State Visit.

While reaffirming India’s commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the group a “force of Global Good”. The comments from the Indian premier came while he was delivering a powerful address at the Quad Leaders’ Summit which was being organised in Delaware. PM Modi is currently on a three-day visit to the United States where he also held bilateral talks with the Quad leaders.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister gave his own abbreviation to Quad. He described it as “Quick Unified Assistance Delivery,” and insisted that the regional body “is here to stay”. According to ANI, the leaders lauded India’s role in the Indian Ocean. US President Joe Biden mentioned that “the US has things to learn from India’s experience and leadership in the Indian Ocean.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Delaware. X – @MEA_India

Catch Firstpost’s live coverage of PM Modi’s visit to the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the United States.

Modi attended the Quad Summit at President Joe Biden’s Wilmington home alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

He also met Biden separately ahead of the summit.

The Quad Summit, the sixth such meeting between the leaders since 2021 and fourth-in-person gathering, was seen as a farewell of sorts for both Biden and Kishida.

President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the US recognises the need for reforms of global institutions to “reflect India’s important voice.” PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the United States.

Modi attended the Quad Summit at President Joe Biden’s Wilmington home alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

He also met Biden separately ahead of the summit.

The Quad Summit, the sixth such meeting between the leaders since 2021 and fourth-in-person gathering, was seen as a farewell of sorts for both Biden and Kishida.

President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the US recognises the need for reforms of global institutions to “reflect India’s important voice.” PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a grant of a whopping $7.5 million in support of sampling kits, detection kits and vaccines which will help the Quad nations in their battle against cervical cancer. The proclamation from the Prime Minister came while he was addressing the Cancer Moonshot event in Delaware. The event was held on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

During his address on Saturday, PM Modi laid out India’s vision of ‘One Earth One Health’. The Indian premier is on a three-day visit to the United States, during which he attended the summit, held a bilateral meeting with the Quad leaders and will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly. Before announcing the grant, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiatives taken by India to fight cervical cancer.

Left to Right: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida at the Cancer Moonshoot Event. X – @narendramodi

During the press briefing, the MEA emphasised that at the Quad Summit, India emphasized “minimising conflict and leveraging democratic values”. “India’s emphasis on minimising conflict and division. Leveraging democratic values even as we pursue development objectives and highlighting the role of technology and the digital revolution in ushering in good governance,” Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misry said at the presser on Sunday.

#WATCH | New York, US: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "India's emphasis on minimising conflict and division. Leveraging democratic values even as we pursue development objectives and highlighting the role of technology and the digital revolution in ushering in good… pic.twitter.com/TB0RCMyYqP

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

In a press briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the United States, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Quad leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Bangladesh crisis, during the Leaders’ Summit. “In so far as this specific question of the peace proposal related to the Russia – Ukraine conflict is concerned, I want to again underline that we are involved in a set of ongoing conversations with interlocutors on all sides…Bangladesh also figured in the discussions, and there was an exchange of views about the situation,” Misri said on Sunday.

#WATCH | New York, US: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "In so far as this specific question of the peace proposal related to the Russia - Ukraine conflict is concerned, I want to again underline that we are involved in a set of ongoing conversations with interlocutors on all… pic.twitter.com/NjLQjfhbJA

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

As PM Modi lands in New York, MEA shared that the Indian foreign secretary will be delivering a briefing on his visit. “Starting shortly! Tune in for a Special Briefing by the Foreign Secretary on the Prime Minister’s visit to USA,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Starting shortly!

Tune in for a Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister’s visit to USA.https://t.co/7OPgUM2UUH

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2024

After arriving in New York Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared glimpses of the grand welcome he received from the Indian diaspora at the hotel. “After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

After programmes in Delaware, landed in New York. Eager to be among the diaspora at the community programme in the city and to take part in other programmes. pic.twitter.com/6Q48tyW4hV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024

After participating in the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in Delaware, Prime Minister Modi arrived in New York on Saturday evening (local time). PM Modi is now scheduled to address the Indian diaspora, meet American business and tech leaders and address the United Nation General Assembly. The Prime Minister received a grand welcome from the Indian diaspora as he arrived in a hotel in New York.

#WATCH | US: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the hotel in New York where he will stay; meets members of the Indian diaspora and artists performing here.

(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/Xep38NZBuK

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

According to a readout published by the Ministry of External Affairs, US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida discussed the Mpox outbreak that has taken over the world. “In response to the current clade I mpox outbreak, as well as the ongoing clade II mpox outbreak, the Quad plans to coordinate our efforts to promote equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured mpox vaccines, including where appropriate expanding vaccine manufacturing in low and middle-income countries,” MEA mentioned in its readout.

The United States returned 297 antiquities that were stolen from India. Prime Minister Modi shared the news on X, formerly known as Twitter and lauded US President Joe Biden for his commitment to fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. “Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties,” PM Modi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden,” he added.

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. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024

While waiting to welcome PM Modi in New York, a woman told ANI that she flew all the way from India to gift the Prime Minister a portrait her son made. The family wanted to express gratitude to the Indian government for helping its son to get free insulin as he struggles with Type 1 Diabities. ” “I have specially come from India to welcome PM Modi. This is a handmade portrait made by a Type 1 diabetes child, thanking PM Modi for the insulin that is being provided to him,” the woman told ANI.

While emphasising the importance of the Cancer Moonshot Event, US President Joe Biden emphasised that the Quad leaders plan to fight for every cancer patient. “Together, the US, Australia, India, and Japan are choosing to fight for every cancer patient, survivor, and caregiver,” Biden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “For every person we have lost, and for every person we can save. Because there’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together – not even beating cancer,” he added.

Together, the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan are choosing to fight for every cancer patient, survivor, and caregiver.

For every person we have lost, and for every person we can save.

Because there's nothing beyond our capacity when we work together – not even beating cancer.

— President Biden Archived (@POTUS46Archive) September 22, 2024

After taking part in the Quad Summit and conducting bilateral meetings with world leaders, Prime Minster Narendra Modi left for New York. The PM is now scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Long Island and the UNGA meet.

#WATCH | US: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for New York from Philadelphia airport after attending the Quad Summit here.

PM Modi will be attending the Summit of the Future (SOTF) at the United Nations in New York. Along with that, he will hold some key bilateral meetings.… pic.twitter.com/7YhZ9Vs08u

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

Here are some of the visuals from the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware.

Source: X – @MEAIndia

As Prime Minister Modi leaves Delaware after attending the Quad Leaders’ Summit, the stage is set at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, where Prime Minister Modi will be addressing the Indian diaspora.

#WATCH | New York, United States: Inside visuals from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, where PM Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora, on September 22. pic.twitter.com/LlWMUMyMFc

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

China’s growing aggression in the South China Sea and in the overall Indo-Pacific region also found mention in the joint statement of the Quad Leaders’ Summit. “We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas. We continue to express our serious concern about the militarization of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea. We condemn the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, including increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres,” the joint statement reads.

The group also insisted that the issues of maritime security should be resolved peacefully. “We also oppose efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities. We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS,” the statement further reads.

The Quad leaders called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council. The demands were featured in the joint statement of the Quad Leader’s summit. “We will reform the UN Security Council, recognizing the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable through expansion in permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council. This expansion of permanent seats should include representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean in a reformed Security Council,” reads the statement.

Following his meeting with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden, the Prime Minister also held bilateral talks with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Quad leader’s summit.

#WATCH | Wilmington, US: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the QUAD Summit.

(Source: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/vEHGI1u4gg

— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the Quad Leader’s Summit. The two premiers reviewed the various facets of India and Japan’s relationship and exchanged views to deepen the cooperation further. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the glimpses from the meeting.

PM @narendramodi met PM @kishida230 of Japan on the sidelines of Quad Summit in Delaware.

They reviewed the various facets of 🇮🇳-🇯🇵 relationship, and exchanged views to deepen the cooperation further.

PM thanked PM @kishida230 for his leadership in advancing 🇮🇳-🇯🇵 Special… pic.twitter.com/2ylkZuUIOY

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 22, 2024

While addressing the Quad Cancer Moonshot event, Prime Minister Modi announced that India will provide a whopping $7.5 million for cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region.  “In keeping with India’s vision of One World One Health, PM Narendra Modi announced the dedication of a grant of US $7.5 million to cancer testing, screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region,” tweeted MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Watch PM Modi’s full remarks from the event.

My remarks at the Quad Leaders' Cancer Moonshot event. https://t.co/Q9avnKJVs6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024

With a new day and new updates, Firstpost is back with its live coverage of PM Modi’s trip to the United States. Before we share how the prime minister’s second day would look like, here’s a look at everything that happened as of now:

• Prime Minister Modi received a grand welcome from the vibrant Indian diaspora after he landed in Delaware.
• Ahead of the Quad leader’s summit, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan made it clear that China will not be the focus of the Quad.
• Upon arrival PM Modi received a warm welcome from US President Joe Biden.
• The two leaders then held a bilateral meeting at Greenville, Delaware.
• The two leaders discussed Russia and China along with other key bilateral topics.
• The US Delegation at the meeting included Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, Jake Sullivan, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the United States to India.

PM Modi meets US President Biden ahead of Quad summit. Image/X/@PMOIndia

President Biden said that the United States’ partnership with India is “stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.

The United States' partnership with India is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.

Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different. pic.twitter.com/TdcIpF23mV

— President Biden Archived (@POTUS46Archive) September 21, 2024

PM Narendra Modi’s colourful welcome in the US also showcased Indian heritage, including the Gujarati ‘Garba’ dance and the Mithila painting from Bihar.

PM Modi euphoria grips US, ecstatic Indian diaspora greets him with 'Garba', 'Mithila painting'

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/TTIyU2hEFD#PMModi #US #Indiandiaspora pic.twitter.com/P8uRopSQXk

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 21, 2024

PM Modi said he would always cherish the welcome he received.

From Delhi to Delaware…a welcome I will always cherish. pic.twitter.com/ahhsoLAmfv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said 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 Indian community has distinguished itself in the USA, making a positive impact across diverse sectors. It’s always a delight to interact with them. At around 9:30 PM India time on Sunday, 22nd September, I will address the @ModiandUS programme in New York City. Let’s…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Hotel duPont, Wilmington, Delaware where he was greeted by the Indian diaspora.

#WATCH | US | PM Narendra Modi arrives at Hotel duPont, Wilmington, Delaware, meets members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome him

(Video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/iFqoo9w6pG

— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora gathered at the Philadelphia International Airport from across US.

#WATCH | US | Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at Philadelphia International Airport give a warm welcome to PM Modi on his arrival here

(Video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/paD1BEALR1

— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Joe Biden at 10:30 pm (IST) for a bilateral meeting in Delaware ahead of the QUAD Summit.

This will be the last time PM Modi and Biden meet before the latter leaves office after the US Presidential elections.

The two leaders are likely to oversee the signing of key agreements including a multi-billion dollar deal where India will acquire 31 predator drones from the US.

An announcement is expected regarding the India-US space collaboration, which includes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla traveling to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

In a post on X, US President Joe Biden said, “Today, I’ll welcome Prime Ministers Albanese, Modi, and Kishida to my home: Delaware.”

He added, “These leaders aren’t just essential to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific – they’re friends of mine and friends of our nation.”

Today, I'll welcome Prime Ministers Albanese, Modi, and Kishida to my home: Delaware.

These leaders aren't just essential to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific – they're friends of mine and friends of our nation.

I look forward to all we'll accomplish in the Summit ahead.

— President Biden Archived (@POTUS46Archive) September 21, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Philadelphia. From here he will travel to Wilmington, Delaware.

#WATCH | PM Modi arrives in the US, to participate in President Biden-hosted Quad Leaders' summit and to address an event at the United Nations General Assembly pic.twitter.com/TRw9Sn0ka9

— ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2024