In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 International Day of Yoga, adopting the move proposed by Modi.

“Let’s use the power of yoga, not only to be healthy and happy, but also to do good to ourselves and others,” said Mr Modi at a gathering of yogis sitting on a yellow mat in the courtyard north of the United Nations headquarters. -Nation. , on the banks of the East River in New York.

“Let’s use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future,” he added.

Mr Modi is in the United States for talks with President Joe Biden, which the White House sees as a way to strengthen “one of the most important partnerships of our time”.

Mr Modi has visited the United States five times since he became prime minister in 2014, but this trip will be his first to enjoy the full diplomatic status of a state visit, despite concerns over it, which is seen as a deteriorating human rights record under the umbrella of his Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Modi will travel from New York to Washington for a private dinner with Mr. Biden on Wednesday night, followed by talks at the White House and a state dinner on Thursday.

Before speaking Wednesday, Modi meditated in front of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s independence hero, in the United Nations enclosure.

Gandhi, born in 1869, played a key role in India’s struggle for independence. He was killed by a Hindu radical on January 30, 1948, just months after leading India to free itself from British rule through non-violent struggle.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sent a video message at the event, saying he wanted to “pay tribute to Prime Minister Modi for all he has done to promote understanding of yoga and its many benefits”.