New Delhi: The US is looking forward to having Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said in a press briefing on Monday ahead of PM Modi's visit to Washington. He noted that the US and India have a significant defence partnership and terrific cooperation in Quad.
In response to a question on whether US President Joe will be holding a joint press conference with PM Modi during his visit, Kirby said, "I don't believe that the full agenda has been fleshed out for the state visit, but we are very much looking forward to having Minister Modi here." "As you know, the United States has a significant defence partnership with India and terrific cooperation inside the Quad, across the Indo-Pacific with India. There's a lot to talk about. We're looking forward to the visit," Kirby added.
At the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the United States from June 21 to 24. Indian diaspora in the US is also eagerly awaiting PM Modi's arrival. He will be accorded a special welcome by US President Biden and First Lady amidst a 21-gun salute.
Also read: Unique welcome awaits PM Modi’s US visit, Indian-owned restaurant in US introduces ‘Modi Ji’ Thali
In the US, PM Modi will also address the chairman and CEOs of top US companies at John F Kennedy Centre in Washington. According to the White House's statement, during his visit, PM Modi will address a joint session of the United States Congress on June 22. It is pertinent to note that he would be the first Indian PM to address a joint session of the US Congress twice.
The White House emphasised in its message that it was an occasion to reaffirm the two countries' deep and close alliance. PM Modi thanked for the privilege and stated that he was looking forward to addressing the joint session. In his message, PM Modi reiterated the pride in having a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US founded on the principles of democratic values, close people-to-people ties and a staunch commitment to global peace and prosperity.
"We are here almost literally, on the eve of what we believe will be a historic state visit by Prime Minister Modi, one that will further solidify what President Biden has called the defining relationship of the 21st century," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
He said that the US sees India-US defining the relationship as a unique connection between the world's oldest and largest democracies, with a special obligation now to demonstrate that these two governments can deliver for and empower all of its citizens. Lauding the ties between the two countries, Blinken said, "Last year, as you all know, trade between our nations reached a record $191 billion, making the US the largest trading partner for India".
