Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for his first official state visit to the United States. The visit makes Modi the third world leader after French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to be invited by President Biden for a state visit and dinner. The three-day state visit holds great geopolitical significance and signifies that the US considers India, an equal partner.
“I am travelling to the United States of America on a State Visit at the invitation of President Joseph Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden,” said PM Modi in an official statement released on Tuesday before leaving for the US. He added that the invitation is “a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies”.
Significant events during the visit
On June 21st, PM Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Then he will leave for Washington DC, receiving a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22nd, followed by high-level bilateral talks between Biden and Modi.
Image Source: Reuters
On the same day afternoon, Prime Minister Modi is invited by Congressional leaders, including House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to address a joint session of the Congress. This makes Modi the first Indian prime Minister to address the US Congress twice. The same evening the US President and the First Lady will host a State Dinner in honour of the Prime Minister.
On June 23rd, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will jointly host a luncheon for PM Modi. Alongside official commitments, Prime Minister Modi has planned a series of exclusive engagements with prominent CEOs, professionals, and stakeholders. Furthermore, he will meet with members of the Indian Diaspora.
What do Biden and Modi aim for through the visit?
The visit undoubtedly has national and global implications, and it will be a landmark in elevating Modi’s image at a worldwide level and in India before launching the 2024 election campaign. Deepening economic engagement is at the heart of Indo-US “global strategic partnership”. The US is India’s largest trading partner, with a record of $191 billion, and India is the 9th largest trading partner of the US. Defence cooperation between both nations will likely boost, while the visit focuses on all aspects of defence co-production and co-development.
However, For the United States deepening the ties with the emerging Asian giant is a pressing priority as the Biden administration shifts its foreign policy focus towards Asia and seeks to establish regional alliances in response. For Biden, New Delhi is a vital peer to address the pressing global challenges like climate change and issues relating to artificial intelligence.
Hindering the rise of China
The ascend of China does not serve any positive development for either US or India. Chinese expansionism is a threat to both nations in their geopolitical interests in the Indo-Pacific. The US needs India to be an active participant in groupings like QUAD. On the other hand, the long-running stand-off at the Himalayan border threatens India’s national security. Owing to this, India has to use the US to enhance a more prominent defence cooperation.
On June 24th, PM Modi will travel to Egypt from Washington DC at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. During his visit, he will conduct discuss with President Sisi and other high-ranking officials from the Egyptian Government. Prime Minister Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora residing in Egypt.
