Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off for a state visit to the United States. Modi expressed excitement over his scheduled programs in New York City and Washington DC, including International Day of Yoga celebrations, dialogues with President Joe Biden, and a unique address to the Joint Session of the US Congress. This marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister will have had the honour to address the Joint Session twice.
The state visit, following an invitation by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, begins in New York. On June 21, PM Modi will lead International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters. He then journeys to Washington DC, where a formal welcome at the White House awaits on June 22, followed by a state dinner hosted in his honour.
The historic address to the US Congress, scheduled for June 22, demonstrates the bipartisan respect and support PM Modi enjoys in the US. Modi has expressed gratitude for the invitation, emphasising the significance of the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, founded on shared democratic values, close ties between the citizens, and a mutual commitment to global peace and prosperity.
On June 23, PM Modi will attend a luncheon co-hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Alongside official duties, Modi plans to interact with prominent CEOs, professionals, and stakeholders, including a gathering of over 1,500 diaspora and business leaders at the John F Kennedy Centre.
Modi will also participate in ‘We The People: Celebrating the U.S.-India Partnership,’ an event hosted by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. Following this, a reception will be held at the Kennedy Center’s Hall of Nations Terrace.
Amid his US visit, Modi will meet leaders across different fields, such as Tesla co-founder Elon Musk and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. His visit aims to deepen discussions around India’s relationship with China. He stressed that “peace and tranquillity in the border areas” are essential for normal bilateral ties with China. Agreements are likely to be finalised to enhance India’s border security. While addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Modi emphasised India’s stance, saying, “We are not neutral. We are on the side of peace,” and asserted that every country should respect international law and sovereignty.
Despite criticism for India’s response to Russia’s actions, Modi has reassured the international community of India’s commitment to peace. PM Modi’s visit aims to further bolster economic ties between India and the US, with trade reaching a record $191 billion in 2022.
The visit has sparked excitement among Indians and US Congressmen alike, and it is anticipated to deepen the multifaceted ties between India and the US. The stock market showed a slight dip due to profit-booking, but the fundamentals remain strong. PM Modi’s visit is expected to renew interest in India’s defence stocks, signalling potential for future defence collaborations.
The Indian diaspora has played a significant role in enhancing US-India relations through education, business, and politics. As per the 2022 US Immigration and Customs Enforcement report, India sent a record 64,300 students to US universities, surpassing China. Indian Americans have risen to leadership roles in US tech and pharma firms and have significantly influenced the US space exploration efforts.
This people-to-people exchange has been crucial in the advancement of US-India relations.
India’s close ties with the US have grown stronger in recent years, and the upcoming state visit is likely to solidify this relationship further. As PM Modi prepares to address the US Congress and interact with top US business leaders, the world will closely watch this visit’s outcomes.
It represents an opportunity for India to foster peace, promote trade, and bolster its bilateral relations with the United States, making it a landmark event in international diplomacy.
