PM Modi’s International Visit: A Milestone in India-US Relations

PM Modi’s International Visit: A Milestone in India-US Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic state visit to the United States, where he is meeting President Joe Biden and addressing the Joint Session of Congress. The visit is expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two democracies and enhance cooperation in various fields, including defence, trade, technology, climate change, and health.

Yoga Day at the UN

PM Modi arrived in New York on June 20 and led the celebrations for the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations headquarters. He paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s bust at the North Lawn of the UN and performed yoga with other dignitaries and participants. He also delivered a speech highlighting the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

State Reception and Bilateral Talks

PM Modi then travelled to Washington DC, where he was given a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22. He was greeted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who hosted a private dinner for him on June 21. PM Modi and President Biden held a high-level dialogue on various issues of mutual interest and concern, such as reviving global growth, ensuring food and energy security, combating terrorism, promoting democracy and human rights, and advancing digital transformation. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in areas such as defence, civil nuclear cooperation, clean energy, health, education, innovation, and space.

Congress Address and State Dinner

PM Modi also addressed a joint sitting of the Congress on June 22 afternoon, becoming only the third world leader outside of Israel to do so twice. He had addressed the US Congress in 2016 during the Obama administration. In his speech, PM Modi praised the US-India relationship as a “natural partnership” based on shared values and interests. He also thanked the US for its support during India’s Covid-19 crisis and expressed solidarity with the US in its fight against terrorism. He also highlighted India’s achievements in democracy, development, diversity, and diplomacy.

PM Modi was then honoured with a state dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on June 22 evening. The dinner was attended by several hundred guests, including members of Congress, diplomats, celebrities, and members of the Indian diaspora. The dinner menu featured Indian and American cuisines, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Egypt Visit

PM Modi will conclude his US visit on June 23 and leave for Egypt, where he will meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties and regional cooperation. This will be PM Modi’s first visit to Egypt.

PM Modi’s international visit is being hailed as a milestone in India-US relations that may have a lasting impact on global affairs. The visit has showcased India’s growing stature as a major power and a reliable partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region. It has also demonstrated the warmth and friendship between the two leaders and the two peoples.

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