The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to New York comes at a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges and problems. PM Modi’s leadership qualities could play a crucial role in resolving these crises
Dr Raj Bhayani
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States from September 21-23, 2024, comes at a critical stage as the world grapples with the ongoing crises — from the Israel-Gaza war in West Asia to the Ukraine-Russia war as well as attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
In times of crisis, a leader must connect, motivate and inspire others, and show true compassion.
A look at Modi’s leadership reveals the top ten leadership traits in this order: strong ‘network building, ”self-motivation,’ ‘global perspective,’ ‘visionary leadership,’ ‘determination and result-orientation,’ ‘public direction communication skills,’ ‘proactive approach,’ ‘being organized (detailed-oriented),’ ‘integrity in the workplace,’ and ‘creative thoughts and thinking.’
The world is currently facing an urgent humanitarian crisis. According to the UNHCR, in Ukraine, an estimated one million people are dead, four million people are internally displaced and more than 6.4 million have fled the country as refugees.
The United Nations reports that more than 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza and more than two million people have been displaced.
Heavy fighting has broken out between two military forces in Sudan too. Since then, at least 13,000 people have been killed and nearly 8 million have been displaced.
Since the recent coup in Bangladesh, widespread violence has erupted across the country, with the Hindus facing attacks in 27 districts of the country. Hindu temples have been heavily targeted in these attacks.
The highlight of PM Modi’s visit to the US will be his participation in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit on September 21, hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. The security situation in South China sea and dealing with China will be the focus of this Quad meeting. The Quad represents a signal, especially to China, that powerful and like-minded states could and would coordinate their strategies and Beijing regarded this as a US-orchestrated effort to contain China; therefore, simply sustaining the Quad and slowly building its momentum poses a challenge to China’s plans.
According to a report by the Morning Consult Political Intelligence, which tracks the approval ratings of government leaders, Narendra Modi has topped the global rating with an approval of 75%. PM Modi has emerged as one of the most popular global leaders today.
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will meet with Modi during his visit. The two shared a close relationship during Trump’s presidency, holding rallies for one another during visits to their respective countries.
During the visit, Modi will also address the United Nations General Assembly in New York regarding “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow” and meet with CEOs of some US tech companies.
The bilateral relationship between India and USA has soared to new heights in recent years, particularly on economic, technological and defense issues. Underpinning these developments is the desire of both sides to counter China’s effort to project power and influence across the Indo-Pacific region. While Washington and New Delhi have their disagreements on issues like Russia’s war on Ukraine and human rights issues, they see the relationship as too strategically vital to be jeopardized by these differences.
The United States has raised concerns with India about its relationship with Russia amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and strong friendship between Modi and President Putin of Russia. On similar lines, India’s diplomacy will be tested if the Gaza war continues indefinitely, or if relations between Israel and Arab nations further decline.
In the backdrop of last year’s high-profile visit by Modi as State guest, this trip is very low key. More below-the-radar are key regional challenges like Afghanistan and Myanmar; enduring difficulties in a bilateral trade agenda; and finding a way to cooperate more on global governance, especially regulation of technology and the digital economy.
India will also seek progress in easing visas for Indian citizens, especially student visas and H-1B visas for highly-skilled foreign workers, and US commitments to greater technology sharing needed to implement the high-tech cooperation the leaders have rolled out. A major change over the past decade is that the United States and India can now disagree on some issues and continue to work together on a large, shared agenda. Washington in recent years has looked to woo New Delhi saying the US sees India as a counter to China in the Asia-Pacific.
Modi is the perfect leader for the world facing so many crises. When written in Chinese, the word ‘crisis’ is composed of two characters; One represents danger and the other represents opportunity, said John F. Kennedy, 35th U.S. president. The Modi diplomacy attests to a “realist” foreign policy outlook. His actions continue to match what Modi said last year: ‘one earth, one family, one future’.
Dr Raj Bhayani, MD, is an ENT Surgeon & Secretary, AAPI
