New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US next week is expected to be significant as the two sides seek concrete outcomes in several key areas such as defense and critical technology and simplify regulatory framework for deeper industrial cooperation. Looking for ways to , A key aspect of Modi’s state visit to Washington will be laying the groundwork for building a stronger technology partnership and enhanced economic engagement between India and the US, said people familiar with preparations for the visit. He said there is a “very genuine and widespread interest” on both sides in using the visit to take the relationship to the next level.
One of the people cited above said, “In terms of the focus areas of discussion, it will probably be a very forward-looking trip.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday formally announced Modi’s two-nation state visit to the US and Egypt from June 20 to 25. After Modi’s talks with US President Joe Biden, the two sides are expected to firm up several arrangements. and deals, including the purchase of 30 armed drones for India.
The two leaders are also likely to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, China’s aggressive behavior in the region and other pressing regional and global issues of mutual interest. Modi’s US visit will begin in New York, where he will lead the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the UN headquarters on June 21.
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From New York, he will travel to Washington where he will be formally welcomed at the White House on June 22, and will meet with President Biden to continue high-level dialogue. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a state dinner in Modi’s honor the same evening.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister will address a joint meeting of the US Congress on 22 June. It added that on June 23, a luncheon will be jointly hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Foreign Minister Antony Bilken. The Ministry of External Affairs said that apart from official engagements, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a number of curated interactions with prominent CEOs, professionals and other stakeholders.
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He will also meet members of the Indian Diaspora. The people cited above said Modi’s visit would be “significant”.
“Even the symbolism will be much more important in terms of political messaging,” said one of them, adding that there is “deep, genuine, strong and widespread interest” in the visit by both sides.
In the second leg of his two-nation tour, Modi will travel to Cairo from June 24 to 25 to pay a state visit to Egypt.
The visit follows an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, which he extended to Modi in January when he attended India’s Republic Day celebrations as the ‘chief guest’. This will be Modi’s first visit to Egypt as Prime Minister.
“In addition to his talks with President Sisi, the Prime Minister is likely to hold talks with senior dignitaries of the Egyptian government, some prominent Egyptian personalities as well as the Indian community in Egypt,” the MEA said. It added, “Relations between India and Egypt are based on ancient trade and economic ties, as well as deep cultural and people-to-people ties.”
During Sisi’s state visit to India in January, it was agreed to elevate the relationship between the two countries to a strategic partnership.