Ahead of Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s arrival in the United States, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the US supports “India’s emergence as a great power”. Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who will host him at a state dinner on June 22.
"This visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the US and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together. The visit will strengthen the shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific," Kirby said addressing the media on PM Modi's visit to the US.
He said that during the visit, leaders will discuss ways to further expand the educational exchanges and people-to-people ties, and work on common challenges like climate change, workforce development and health security.
“India will be a critical strategic partner for the US in the coming decades,” he added.
Notably, in his departure statement, PM Modi said that the "special invitation" from President Biden and the First Lady for a state visit was a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between the democracies.
He said that this visit will be “an opportunity to enrich the depth and diversity of our partnership" and added that his discussions with President Biden and other senior US leaders will provide an opportunity to consolidate bilateral cooperation as well as in plurilateral forums such as G20, Quad and IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity).
Noting that the US Congress has always provided strong bi-partisan support to India-US ties, Modi said that during his visit, he will address a joint session of the US Congress at the invitation of the Congressional leadership. He also said that he will meet leading CEOs to discuss opportunities for elevating our trade and investment relationship and for building resilient global supply chains.
"Strong people-to-people linkages have been instrumental in developing the trust between our countries. I look forward to meeting the vibrant Indian-American community that represents the best of our societies," the PM highlighted in his statement.
