As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States to participate in the Quad Leaders’ Summit and the United Nations’ ‘Summit of the Future,’ attention once again turned to his long-standing ties with America.
A recent post from Modi Archive on X revisited a pivotal moment in his political journey: his first significant exposure to the US nearly 30 years ago in 1993. At that time, Modi was a relatively unknown BJP ‘karyakarta’ (worker) from Gujarat. The US State Department, along with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, extended an invitation to Modi to take part in a special programme in Washington, DC, running from July 10 to 23, 1993.
This initiative provided Modi with the opportunity to engage with prominent US political leaders, senior officials, policymakers, and industry representatives, marking a critical milestone in his political career. According to the Modi Archive, Modi had always possessed a deep curiosity to better understand the world and India’s place in it. His travels, including this US visit, were driven by a desire to absorb global best practices and adapt them for India.
During his time in the US, Modi met with a range of influential figures, including Congressmen, Senators, Governors, and Mayors. These interactions gave him valuable insights into American politics, governance, and foreign policy, which would influence his future leadership style.
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Modi’s visit also extended beyond political circles. His itinerary included tours of several significant cultural and historical sites, such as the Pentagon City, Andrews Air Force Base, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial Mountain. In Houston, he toured the Houston Medical Center, one of the largest in the world, and visited NASA’s Space Center, further expanding his understanding of technological innovation and healthcare.
A particularly meaningful moment came when he met with Native Americans in South Dakota, gaining a profound appreciation for indigenous cultures and their role in shaping the identity of the United States.
Modi has often reflected on how this trip to the US helped shape his political thinking. The lessons he absorbed during this visit would later inform his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and, eventually, as the Prime Minister of India.
This early exposure to American values and governance systems laid the groundwork for Modi’s enduring engagement with the US, an important aspect of his global leadership as he continues to represent India on the world stage.
