New Delhi: US President Joe Biden once again found himself at the center of controversy after an unusual verbal slip during the Quad Summit on Saturday. Addressing an audience that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biden described both the United States and India as small countries with small populations, leaving many in attendance puzzled by the statement.The Quad Summit, held at Bidens residence in Wilmington, Delaware, brought together leaders from key nations. However, what was intended to be a show of unity was overshadowed by Bidens remark. While referencing PM Modi on stage, Biden said, Hes from a small country like ours, with a small population. But hes become a good and decent man and a good friend. Though the comment was likely meant to express camaraderie, the factual inaccuracy was impossible to ignore.Major diplomatic blunderThe comment has drawn widespread criticism, especially considering that the United States, with a population of over 331 million, is one of the largest and most powerful nations in the world. India, on the other hand, recently became the most populous country, surpassing China with a staggering 1.4 billion people. Describing either of these nations as small was seen as a significant diplomatic faux pas.Watch the video here:Biden malfunctions again, says- Hes from a small country like ours, with a small populationBut hes become a good & decent man and a good friendEven PM Modi is embarrassed! pic.twitter.com/8oPqX67jGE— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 22, 2024Prime Minister Modi, known for his composed demeanor, appeared visibly perplexed by the comment. While he maintained his usual poise, it was clear that Bidens statement caught him off guard, given that he leads the worlds largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies.Social media reaction As is often the case with Bidens verbal missteps, the internet wasted no time in responding. Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions, with many users trolling the US president for his inaccurate statement. Critics were quick to point out that Bidens frequent gaffes have become a recurring issue, raising concerns about his cognitive sharpness as he prepares for a potential re-election campaign.History of verbal slip-upsThis is not the first time Bidens remarks have raised eyebrows. In July, while attending a NATO summit, Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin, further fueling concerns over his mental acuity. Similarly, his performance during the first presidential debate with former Republican President Donald Trump earlier this year was marred by frequent stammering and confusion.While Bidens supporters downplay these incidents as minor missteps, his critics argue that they reflect a deeper issue regarding his fitness for office, especially as he approaches his 82nd birthday.PM Modis visit to the USPrime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the United States coincided with the Quad Summit. Following the event in Delaware, Modi headed to New York for a series of engagements. He is scheduled to address a large Indian diaspora event in Long Island on September 22 and speak at the UNs Summit of the Future on September 23. Modis trip is seen as an important moment to strengthen ties between India and the US, despite the awkward exchange during the summit.
