Modi Celebrates India's Chess Triumph in NYC, Praises U.S. for Returning Ancient Artifacts

Modi Celebrates India's Chess Triumph in NYC, Praises U.S. for Returning Ancient Artifacts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a multi-day visit to the United States, addressed a cultural celebration on Long Island, praising the U.S. for returning nearly 300 antiquities to India. He also announced India's double victory at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, to an enthusiastic crowd.

"I just got some very good news," Modi told an estimated 13,000 people at Nassau Veterans Coliseum. "In the Chess Olympiad, in both the men’s and women’s tournament, India has won gold medals."

Modi was reelected in June after a marathon election. "This year, 2024, is a very important one for the entire world," he said. "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. India and America are also together in this celebration of democracy."

Modi's New York appearance came a day after he attended a summit hosted by President Joe Biden for leaders of the Quad, which includes Australia and Japan. He also accepted the return of 297 ancient artifacts stolen or trafficked from India. The U.S. has returned nearly 600 such cultural artifacts to India since 2016.

On Monday, Modi is expected to attend a United Nations summit ahead of this week's General Assembly.