Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the US: A Milestone for Indo-US Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24, at the invitation of President Joe Biden. This will be a historic occasion, as Modi will be the first Indian leader to receive the highest honor of a state visit since Manmohan Singh in 2009. The visit will also mark the first in-person meeting between Modi and Biden, who have spoken on the phone several times since Biden took office in January.

The state visit will showcase the deep and close partnership between the two largest democracies in the world, as well as the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together. The two leaders will discuss a range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including their shared commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region, their cooperation on technology, defense, clean energy and space, and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

The visit will also feature a number of ceremonial events, such as a 21-gun salute White House arrival ceremony, a state dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House on June 22, an invitation to stay at the Blair House (the US President’s guesthouse), and flag streetlining. Modi will also address a joint session of Congress and meet with other US officials and lawmakers.

The state visit will give a clear trajectory to the expanding Indo-US bilateral ties, which have grown steadily over the past two decades under successive administrations of both countries. While the Indo-US partnership has strengthened in many areas, and the two are seeking newer areas of cooperation, India has not shied away from holding different views from Washington on many crucial issues, such as trade, human rights and regional security. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to bridge any gaps and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Modi’s state visit to the US will be a milestone for Indo-US relations, as well as for global peace and stability. It will demonstrate the strong commitment of both countries to work together for a better future for themselves and for the world.