At the UN, Modi Trumpets the Benefits of Yoga

Over the past several years, Mr. Modi’s government has set off protests for policies that appear to privilege non-Muslims, including, for example, a fast-track to citizenship for non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh and some other Muslim-majority countries.

On Wednesday, before the yoga session, Mr. Modi bowed to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, according to reports, a leader whose credos of religious tolerance and secularism were foundational to the country Mr. Modi now runs.

The event, also attended by Mayor Eric Adams of New York, was in celebration of International Yoga Day, June 21, an event Mr. Modi successfully lobbied the U.N. to commemorate nearly a decade ago. The prime minister has used yoga to try to endear himself to both the international community and the Hindu electorate with whom he remains widely popular, tweeting videos of his downward dogs and warrior poses. The Indian military has also broadcast its soldiers practicing yoga.

“Yoga comes from India, and it is a very old tradition, but like all ancient Indian traditions, it is also living and dynamic,” the prime minister said to the crowd seated cross-legged on yellow yoga mats before a backdrop of the East River.

“Yoga is unifying. It is for everyone: for all ethnicities, for all faiths and for all cultures,” Mr. Modi said. “Yoga is truly universal.”