Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the US: Shaping the Future of Indo-US Relations
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also address a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 23, making him the third world leader, outside of Israel, to deliver such an address twice
The first state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States is expected to be a significant moment for the Indo-US relationship. Both sides are working on an outcome document that will shape the bilateral ties for years to come. The visit, scheduled for June 22, includes a State Dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The preparations for the visit are gaining momentum, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan traveling to New Delhi for the second round of the iCET Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.
The US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), announced by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in May 2022, aims to strengthen the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the two countries. The joint statement being finalized for the visit is expected to address key areas such as technology, space, and defense. Prime Minister Modi emphasizes the importance of linking these sectors to the development and welfare of the people.
The outcome document is intended to reflect the visions of both leaders and is likely to include concrete deliverables. The visit marks a shift in the India-US partnership, moving beyond India being seen solely as a market for American companies to a relationship based on reliability and collaboration, particularly in the supply chain field. India's ability to produce goods at scale and affordable prices, combined with American technology, plays a crucial role in this partnership.
This state visit holds historical significance as it will be the 11th state dinner hosted by a US President for an Indian leader. Only two Indian leaders have been honored with an official state visit in the past 75 years: President S Radhakrishnan in June 1963 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also address a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 23, making him the third world leader, outside of Israel, to deliver such an address twice. This underscores the importance of the India-US relationship.
The visit will include various events and meetings, starting with the International Yoga Day celebrations in New York on June 21. As Prime Minister Modi arrives in Washington, Indian Americans are preparing a cultural show near the White House. The two leaders will participate in a grand welcome ceremony on the South Lawns of the White House, followed by one-on-one talks, a delegation-level meeting, and a joint address to the press. Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over the joint address to the US Congress, and a lunch hosted by Harris and co-hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage with the diaspora and the business community, and several Cabinet ministers and key leaders from the Biden administration are expected to hold meetings with him. The state dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be a significant event, with attention focused on the guest list, dinner menu, decor, and entertainment.
