During the visit, PM Modi will attend a state banquet hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
Embarking on a State Visit to the US on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi described India-US ties as multifaceted, with deepening engagements across sectors. "USA is India’s largest trade partner in goods and services. We collaborate closely in science & technology, education, health, defence and security fields," he said in his departure statement. Prime Minister Modi is travelling to the United States of America on a State Visit at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. According to PM Modi, this special invitation is "a reflection of the vigour and vitality of the partnership between our democracies". Prime Minister Modi will begin his State Visit from New York, where he will celebrate the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters. "I look forward to this special celebration at the very location that supported India’s proposal in December 2014 to recognize an International Day of Yoga," he remarked. The celebration of the International Day of Yoga at the UN Headquarters highlights the global recognition and acceptance of yoga as a holistic practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It also signifies India's cultural influence and the promotion of its ancient traditions on an international platform. From New York, the Prime Minister will proceed to US capital Washington D.C., for a series of crucial high-level meetings. The main focus of these meetings will be to strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen engagements across various sectors of mutual interest. "President Biden and I have had the opportunity to meet several times since my last Official Visit to the USA in September 2021. This visit will be an opportunity to enrich the depth and diversity of our partnership," Prime Minister Modi pointed out. "India-US ties are multifaceted, with deepening engagements across sectors. USA is India’s largest trade partner in goods and services. We collaborate closely in science & technology, education, health, defence and security fields," Prime Minister Modi said. In his departure statement, he also referred to the recent initiative on Critical & Emerging Technologies (iCET), saying it has added new dimensions and widened collaboration to defence industrial cooperation, space, telecom, quantum, Artificial Intelligence and biotech sectors. "Our two countries are also collaborating to further our shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said. "My discussions with President Biden and other senior US leaders will provide an opportunity to consolidate our bilateral cooperation as well as in plurilateral forums such as G20, Quad and IPEF. I will also have the pleasure of joining President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for the State Banquet along with a number of dignitaries" Prime Minister Modi said. He also highlighted the strong bi-partisan support that has always been provided to India-US ties by rhe US Congress. "During my visit, I will address a Joint Session of the US Congress at the invitation of Congressional leadership," he said. In addition to interacting with the vibrant Indian-American community in the US, Prime Minister Modi will also meet some of the leading CEOs to discuss opportunities for elevating our trade and investment relationship and for building resilient global supply chains. "I am confident that my visit to the US will reinforce our ties based on shared values of democracy, diversity and freedom. Together we stand stronger in meeting the shared global challenges," the Prime Minister noted. Key areas for collaboration and discussions during the visit are expected to include science and technology, education, health, defence, and security. Both India and the United States have robust scientific and technological capabilities, and enhancing cooperation in these fields can lead to mutual benefits, innovation, and advancements in various sectors. Education is another crucial area where both countries can collaborate to foster academic exchanges, research partnerships, and skill development initiatives. This can further strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two nations and promote a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and values. Given the ongoing global health challenges, discussions on health cooperation, including joint research, development, and production of vaccines, can play a significant role in addressing common healthcare concerns and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, defence and security cooperation will be emphasized during the high-level meetings. Given the shared interests in regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and maritime security, both countries can explore avenues for collaboration, joint exercises, and information sharing to ensure peace and security in the region. STRENGTHENING TIES WITH EGYPT From the US, Prime Minister Modi will head to Egypt. His visit to Egypt comes on the heels of President Sisi's visit to India in January this year, during which the partnership between the two nations was elevated to a 'Strategic Partnership'. This rapidly evolving relationship is expected to gain further momentum during the Prime Minister's visit, with high-level discussions planned with President Sisi and senior members of the Egyptian Government. "I look forward to my discussions with President Sisi and senior members of the Egyptian Government to impart further momentum to our civilizational and multi-faceted partnership. I will also have the opportunity to interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Egypt," Prime Minister Modi said in his departure statement. These discussions are anticipated to delve into various aspects of cooperation and mutual interests, ranging from trade and investment to security and cultural exchange. Moreover, the Prime Minister's visit is an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues of common concern. Both India and Egypt have been actively involved in addressing regional challenges and maintaining peace and stability in their respective regions. Therefore, it is expected that discussions will touch upon important regional dynamics and ways to collaborate effectively on matters such as counterterrorism, maritime security, and regional stability The significance of these visits cannot be overstated. The United States is India's largest trade partner in goods and services, and the two countries share a vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The visit to the US is expected to reinforce these ties and provide opportunities for elevating trade and investment relationships, as well as building resilient global supply chains. The visit to Egypt, a close and friendly country, is equally significant. The 'Strategic Partnership' established during President Sisi's visit to India earlier this year is a testament to the rapidly evolving relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister's visit is expected to impart further momentum to this civilizational and multi-faceted partnership. The Prime Minister's visit to the United States and Egypt is a significant step towards strengthening India's ties with these nations. The visit is expected to consolidate bilateral cooperation, deepen engagements across sectors, and reinforce ties based on shared values of democracy, diversity, and freedom.