Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Modi engages with Indian-Americans, highlights importance of US election

Speaking at a packed coliseum in the Long Island, Modi discussed the significance of the 2024 election year and the broader theme of democracy around the world.

Modi attends a gathering of the Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) in New York City on September 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)
Modi attends a gathering of the Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) in New York City on September 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian-American community in the United States on Sunday, focusing on the influence and power of the diaspora as the US presidential election approaches.

Speaking at a packed coliseum in the Long Island suburbs of New York, Modi discussed the significance of the 2024 election year and the broader theme of democracy around the world.


In his speech, which included Indian cultural performances featuring traditional dancing and songs, Modi emphasised that 2024 is a critical year for the entire world. “This year 2024 is a very important one for the entire world,” Modi said, according to a translation of his remarks. He highlighted the contrasting global scenario, stating, “On the one hand, there are conflicts raging between several countries in the world, there is tension. And on the other, democracy is being celebrated in several countries of the world.” He noted that India and the United States are united in this celebration of democracy.

Modi did not comment specifically on the ongoing US presidential contest between vice president Kamala Harris, who is of Indian descent, and former president Donald Trump. However, he acknowledged the impact of the Indian-American community, which is made up of approximately 4.5 million people, according to the 2020 US Census data.

Trump has announced his intention to meet with Modi later this week. The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on deepening ties between the two countries. Trump is currently engaged in a tight race against Harris, and his outreach to the Indian-American community is seen as an effort to gain support from this influential group.

Earlier this year, Modi secured his third consecutive term as the prime minister of India. He was sworn in following an election campaign marked by religious rhetoric and a surprising outcome that necessitated the formation of a coalition government. Despite these challenges, Modi managed to consolidate his position as the leader of the world's most populous nation.

During his US visit, Modi also met with president Joe Biden in Delaware. The leaders held both a one-on-one meeting and participated in discussions as part of the Quad grouping, which includes the leaders of Australia and Japan. The meetings were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships among the Quad nations.

Ahead of the Modi-Biden meeting, senior US officials met with Sikh advocates to discuss the challenges faced by the Sikh community in the United States. While a US official declined to comment on whether human rights issues were raised during the talks between Modi and Biden, the meeting with Sikh representatives highlights ongoing concerns related to security and civil rights within the US.

The Indian-American community in the United States has become increasingly prominent in recent years, contributing significantly to various sectors including technology, business, and politics. Modi’s outreach to this community reflects the growing importance of the diaspora in shaping both Indian and American political landscapes. As the US election draws closer, the engagement between Modi and the Indian-American community is likely to continue, emphasising shared values and the role of democracy in both nations.

(With inputs from Reuters)

More For You

Police Recover £1M Stolen Jewellery in Hounslow, Owners Sought

The jewellery was largely taken from London’s South Asian community in Hounslow between 2023 and 2024. (Photo: Met Police)

Stolen jewellery worth £1m recovered in Hounslow, police seek owners

POLICE are seeking to reunite stolen jewellery worth over £1 million with its rightful owners after recovering the items during a proactive operation across London and the home counties.

The recovered collection includes identifiable pieces such as a World War One officer’s Rolex watch, a gold locket containing old pictures, an engraved gold ring, and an engraved gold pocket watch from Harlow Bros Ltd.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-muslims

The initiative aims to track incidents, raise awareness of hate crime, and provide better victim support.

iStock)

Government announces fund to combat anti-Muslim hate

THE UK government has announced a new fund to monitor anti-Muslim hate and support victims, with applications opening on 7 April.

The initiative aims to track incidents, raise awareness of hate crime, and provide better victim support.

Keep ReadingShow less
Probe launched over racist broadcast at Kent asylum centre

FILE PHOTO: Entrance of Manston short-term holding centre for migrants, near Ramsgate in southeast England. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Probe launched over racist broadcast at Kent asylum centre

AUTHORITIES have launched an investigation following reports that a racist message was broadcast over portable radios at an asylum processing centre in Kent.

The incident occurred at the Manston site, where small boat arrivals are processed by the Home Office and its contractor, Mitie, reported The Guardian.

Keep ReadingShow less
Protest against dog crackdown ahead of Modi's Sri Lanka visit

Sri Lankan animal rights activists take part in a demonstration in Colombo on April 3, 2025, to protest the round-up of stray dogs a day ahead of a visit by Narendra Modi. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Protest against dog crackdown ahead of Modi's Sri Lanka visit

SRI LANKAN animal rights activists marched on Thursday (3) to protest the round-up of stray dogs a day ahead of a visit by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

Authorities in Colombo and the Buddhist pilgrim city of Anuradhapura have reportedly deployed dog catchers to impound hounds ahead of Modi's visit, which begins on Friday (4).

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi hold a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Explained: Impact of US tariffs on Indian exports

The United States has announced a 27 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods entering the American market.

Industry experts have said these duties will pose challenges for Indian exports, though India's position remains more favourable than some of its competitors.

Keep ReadingShow less