INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (20) embarked on his inaugural state visit to the United States, commencing with his arrival in New York. He was accorded a warm welcome by officials and members of the Indian diaspora as he met and greeted them at the John F Kennedy Airport.
The visit holds significant importance as he is set to lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations headquarters and engage in bilateral talks with president Joe Biden in Washington.
The invitation to this state visit from Biden and first lady Jill Biden, who will host a state dinner on Thursday (22), symbolises the vigor and vitality of the partnership between the two democracies. Moreover, the prime minister will address a joint session of the US Congress the same day, further reinforcing the deepening ties.
Modi expressed his enthusiasm for commencing the visit in the Big Apple, where he will celebrate the International Day of Yoga on Wednesday (21) alongside the United Nations leadership and members of the international community.
"I will commence my visit in New York, where I will celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters with the UN leadership and members of the international community," he said.
The location holds special significance as it was instrumental in supporting India's proposal back in 2014 to establish an International Day of Yoga. Having initially proposed the idea at the UN General Assembly nine years ago, Modi will now have the opportunity to lead the yoga session at the UN headquarters, marking a historic moment.
Following the New York leg, Modi will go to Washington DC for bilateral talks with Biden. He highlighted the previous meetings he had with the American president since his last official visit in September 2021, emphasising that this visit will serve to enrich the depth and diversity of their partnership.
"This visit will be an opportunity to enrich the depth and diversity of our partnership," Modi said.
The discussions with Biden and other senior US leaders will provide an occasion to consolidate bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities in plurilateral forums such as the G20, Quad, and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
During his visit, the prime minister will join the first couple for a state banquet, where he will engage with numerous dignitaries. Noting the strong bipartisan support that the US Congress has consistently offered to India-US ties, Modi expressed his gratitude for the invitation to address a joint session of the US Congress from the Congressional leadership. He eagerly anticipates meeting the vibrant Indian-American community, which he believes represents the best aspects of both societies.
Furthermore, Modi intends to hold meetings with leading CEOs to discuss avenues for elevating the trade and investment relationship and enhancing resilient global supply chains. He plans to interact with business leaders, the Indian community, and thought leaders from various walks of life.
Strengthening ties between India and the USA in key sectors such as trade, commerce, innovation, and technology is a key objective, given that the US is India's largest trade partner in goods and services. The two countries also collaborate closely in areas such as science and technology, education, health, defense, and security. Modi emphasized the dimensions added by the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, broadening cooperation in defense industrial collaboration, space, telecom, quantum, artificial intelligence, and biotech sectors.
In addition to bilateral cooperation, India and the USA are collaborating to further their shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Modi expressed confidence that his visit will reinforce the ties between the two countries, which are firmly rooted in the shared values of democracy, diversity, and freedom. By standing together, they are better equipped to address shared global challenges. Following his visit to the US, the prime minister will travel to Egypt at the invitation of president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, highlighting India's commitment to fostering international partnerships.
(With agency inputs)
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