Indian Prime Minister To Visit US

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for the US on a state visit that has been projected as a milestone in ties between the two countries that would deepen and diversify their partnership.

The visit is expected to see the two countries expand cooperation in defence industry and high technology sectors, with India getting access to critical American technologies that Washington rarely shares with non-allies.

“This special invitation is a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies,” Modi said in a statement ahead of his departure.

“I will also meet some of the leading CEOs to discuss opportunities for elevating our trade and investment relationship and for building resilient global supply chains,” he said.

Report says US lawmakers have invited Modi to address a joint meeting of Congress. It will be Modi’s second such address, a rare honour for a leader once denied a visa to enter the United States over human rights concerns.

Modi has been to the US five times since becoming prime minister in 2014 but the June 21-24 trip will be his first with the full diplomatic status of an official state visit.

It is also only the third state visit of Joe Biden’s presidency and the third by an Indian leader to the US, indicating the strengthening bond between Washington and New Delhi and the distance they have travelled since being on opposite sides of the Cold War.

Meeting Musk

Tesla Chief Executive, Elon Musk is among business leaders Modi is scheduled to meet during the trip, Reuters TV partner ANI reported.

Senior Tesla officials met India’s deputy minister for technology and other officials last month, making clear the electric vehicle manufacturer’s ambitious plans to establish a production base in India.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Monday that details of Modi’s meetings in Washington would be shared as the visit unfolds.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere