The 39th U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, held a unique bond with India that transcended traditional diplomacy. In 1978, during his historic visit to India, a small village in Haryana was renamed “Carterpuri” in his honor, reflecting the deep connection he forged with the country.
Carter’s visit came at a pivotal time, shortly after the end of India’s Emergency era and the Janata Party’s rise to power. On January 2, 1978, he addressed the Indian Parliament, lauding India’s democratic resilience. “India’s achievements decisively refute the notion that authoritarian rule is necessary for economic and social progress,” he declared, emphasizing the triumph of democracy and freedom.
During his visit, Carter and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai signed the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming the shared values of democracy and human rights between India and the United States. Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Carter highlighted that both nations symbolized governance centered on serving the people.
A particularly memorable moment of his trip was Carter’s visit to Daulatpur Nasirabad village near Delhi. Alongside his wife, Rosalynn, Carter was warmly welcomed by villagers who later renamed the village “Carterpuri” in his honor. This connection endured over the decades, with villagers celebrating his achievements, including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, and marking January 3 as a local holiday.
Carter’s ties to India were also personal, as his mother, Lillian Carter, had served in India as a Peace Corps volunteer during the 1960s. This legacy of goodwill and mutual respect laid the foundation for a long-standing partnership between India and the U.S., according to the Carter Center.
Carter’s presidency (1977–1981) unfolded during a period of global challenges, including Cold War tensions and economic struggles. While he is best remembered for his role in brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978, his post-presidential years became a testament to his commitment to humanitarian work. This legacy of peace and service ultimately earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, cementing his status as a global statesman.
