During a press briefing on Thursday, US Department of State official spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the partnership between the United States and India is among the “most consequential relationships.” The two nations work closely together on key priorities, with India playing a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
While acknowledging the importance of the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US, Miller refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the issues to be discussed. He highlighted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken eagerly anticipates the opportunity to meet with PM Modi and other members of the Indian delegation during their visit to the United States.
“So I don’t want to get ahead of the White House, who will be hosting Prime Minister Modi, of course. They will be making further announcements about the visit in the coming days leading up to the trip next week,” Matthew Miller said.
“I will say generally our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships…We work closely with India on our most vital priorities. They (India) play a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. And I know Secretary Blinken looks forward to seeing Prime Minister Modi and other members of the Indian delegation, while they’re here and working to make progress on all the issues with which we consult with India. But in terms of any specific issues, I will defer to the White House for comment on that,” he added.
At the invitation of US President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to the United States from June 21 to June 24. Indian diaspora in the US is eagerly awaiting PM Modi’s arrival. On June 22, more than 7000 Indian Americans are planning to be on the South Lawns of the White House when Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden would welcome PM Modi amidst a 21-gun salute.
At the same press briefing, Matthew Miller said that the US looks forward to PM Modi’s upcoming visit. He said that there will be a state lunch hosted for PM Modi at the US State Department.
When asked about his message for Indian-Americans on behalf of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Miller said, “I’ve heard that the new American ambassador, Ambassador Garcetti, is actually a bit of a celebrity in India, as well. Let me just say again that our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships.”
“We really do look forward to the visit next week. In addition to hosting Prime Minister Modi at the White House, there will be a state lunch here at the State Department, and we’re all very much looking forward to it,” he added.
PM Narendra Modi will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a state dinner at the White House, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release. In the US, PM Modi will also address the chairman and CEOs of top US companies at John F Kennedy Centre in Washington. During his visit, PM Modi will address a joint session of the US Congress on June 22.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
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Updated: 16 Jun 2023, 07:18 AM IST