PM Modi pays tribute to 9/11 victims in New York

He paid tribute at the memorial to the dead of the Sept, 2001 attack in the heart of New York in the twin towers of World Trade Center and also visited the 9/11 Museum.

The Indian Ambassador to USA and other officials were with the Prime Minister at the 9/11 Memorial. The Prime Minister arrived in New York on Friday. He was received at JFK Airport by Dr. S Jaishankar, Ambassador of India in the United States.

The Prime Minister was greeted by hundreds of people who were waiting for him at Madison Avenue in New York, close to the hotel where he will be staying. He mingled with the people for a few minutes. People were carrying placards with messages that read ‘We love Modi…America loves Modi…Indian American loves Modi’.

The Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, called on the Prime Minister. During the discussion, he briefed the Prime Minister on public housing projects New York City.

The Prime Minister also referred to the goal of "Housing for all" in India, and the possibility of sharing best practices for affordable housing. The issue of terrorism came up for discussion, with the Prime Minister saying India has been fighting against terror for long. Blasio gave a brief overview of steps taken by New York City to tackle terrorism post 9/11.

Prof. Harold Varmus, the Director, US National Cancer Institute, called on the Prime Minister. Issues related to public health, sanitation, malnutrition and immunization were discussed. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Addressing the nation prior to his departure, Modi said that he will pitch for reforms in the United Nations when he addresses there.

Terming the US as India’s natural global partner, PM said: “I am visiting the United States from 26 to 30 September 2014. I will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York and, thereafter, visit Washington DC on 29-30 September 2014 for a bilateral summit with U.S. President Barack Obama.”

About his address in UNGA, Modi said, “Since its participation as a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, India has shown unwavering commitment to multilateral processes to advance peace and security and promote broad-based inclusive economic development in the world. India`s contribution to UN peacekeeping operations over decades is a strong testimony of our efforts to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the UN charter.”

Earlier, PM Modi had said that he would discuss with Obama how Indo-US ties can be taken to a “new level” in the interest of both the nations as well as of the world. He also dubbed the US as India’s “vital partner” for its national development. American President Barrack Obama will host a rare private dinner for Modi at the White House on September 29 where the Indian PM is expected to have only tea and lemonade as his US visit coincides with the Navratri fast which he religiously observes during this time the year, sources said.