Modi and Gandhi in the United States in September: What to expect

Modi and RaGa to visit the U.S. this month

This month, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his third term, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in his first, are visiting the United States. Their visits, happening just before the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, have the potential to influence how the Indian diaspora votes. Modi’s popularity among the Indian American community, a rapidly growing and politically active group in the U.S., could sway voter sentiment, especially in swing states with significant Indian American populations.

A key question is whether Modi or Gandhi will meet with candidates Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Using logic and imagination, we can speculate on this.

Modi’s visit

Modi’s visit coincides with the high-level UN General Assembly session, but this time, he won’t be addressing the UNGA. Instead, that role will go to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Modi, however, has several other significant events lined up.

QUAD meeting

In a last-minute development, the QUAD meeting, originally planned for India, will now take place in the U.S. on September 21. Heads of state from India, Japan, and Australia will meet with President Biden, all of whom are in New York for the ambitious “Summit of the Future” convened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This QUAD meeting marks Biden’s and the Japanese Prime Minister’s last participation in the forum, as Australia faces elections in 2025, leaving the fate of its current prime minister uncertain. Under these circumstances, Modi remains the only constant for the next QUAD meeting in India in 2025. Meanwhile, Gandhi (often referred to as “RaGa”) will continue to sing the raga to unseat Modi without much success.

Speculation #1: Kamala Harris might be invited to the QUAD meeting, providing an opportunity for her to meet Modi.

Mega community event

The thriving Indian diaspora will host Modi on September 22 at the 16,000-seat Nassau Memorial Coliseum in Long Island. Reportedly, over 24,000 people from across the U.S. have already registered for this mega event themed “Modi & US Progress Together.” This will be the largest gathering of the Indian diaspora to welcome Modi.

Notably, Modi was greeted by a massive crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York in September 2014, just months after becoming prime minister for the first time. In 2019, during his second term, he addressed a similar event called “Howdy Modi” in Houston, Texas, where then-President Donald Trump made a special appearance. Now, five years later, the third mega welcome in Long Island.

Speculation #2: Trump may join the rally in Long Island to attract Indian American voters, given his penchant for large, high-energy events with little substance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Visit

Though less prominent, Rahul Gandhi is already in the U.S., attempting to connect with the Indian diaspora. He is expected to meet with diaspora members in Texas and Washington D.C., though none of his events match the scale of Modi’s. His audience is likely to include significant numbers of those sympathetic to the Khalistan movement and supporting the anti-Hindu agenda.

It is unclear if Gandhi will meet any major political figures, let alone Harris or Trump. He might instead meet with critics of India’s government policies, particularly those who challenge India’s democracy, integrity, and human rights record. As a leader of the opposition, Gandhi’s engagement with the diaspora might subtly shift perspectives, especially among those critical of Modi’s administration. His speeches are expected to focus on his gripes and grievances with Modi, as he offers little else of substance.

Impact on the U.S. Presidential election

While these visits are primarily focused on longer-term U.S.-India relations, they could have subtle implications for the U.S. presidential election. The Indian American community, which traditionally leans Democratic, may see shifts in voter preferences depending on the narratives presented by both leaders. Modi’s visit is likely to yield tangible agreements beneficial to both countries, which could be viewed as a diplomatic win for the current U.S. administration. On the other hand, Gandhi’s critiques might resonate with voters concerned about democracy and human rights.

Conclusion

These visits highlight the growing importance of the Indian American community in U.S. politics and underscore the increasing significance of U.S.-India relations on the global stage. As for my personal stance, I remain undecided and uncommitted to voting for either Harris or Trump in 2024. Interestingly, during a recent dinner with two other families, we found ourselves part of the growing “no vote” club, feeling that neither candidate is worthy of the presidency.

So, what should we expect from these visits? Today’s India deserves a rising role in global geopolitics and the economy. One immediate role Modi and his team could play is that of peacemakers between warring countries, while engaging with world leaders. While I expect nothing from Gandhi’s visit, I hope Modi continues to elevate the influence of the Indian diaspora, particularly its hard-working and intellectual members of the Sanatan faith.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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