On June 23, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will addresses a joint meeting of the US Congress, he will join the ranks of only three world leaders to have achieved this honor twice, highlighting the significance of the upcoming state visit.
Marks a New Era in Bilateral Relations
Atul Keshap, president of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and a senior US diplomat, emphasized the growing importance of India in global affairs and the deepening ties between the two nations. Keshap described the visit as a truly momentous occasion, as it marks only the third state visit from India to the United States.
The previous two state visits from India were made by President S Radhakrishnan in June 1963 and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2009. Keshap underscored that this visit reflects the friendship and trust shared between the people of the United States and India.
READ ALSO : Mirzapur : Muslim Driver Kills Hindu Man for Refusing to Abuse Modi-Yogi
Ajit Doval also Participate
Prime Minister Modi has been invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for an official state visit, which will include a State Dinner on June 22. The preparations for this historic visit are set to gain momentum, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan scheduled to visit New Delhi for the second round of the iCET Dialogue, holding discussions with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.
The Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, emphasized that the ceremonial and substantive aspects of the state visit will perfectly complement each other, creating an unparalleled event.
“We are a week away from the historic state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States at the invitation of President Biden. There is great excitement on both sides. My PM is only the third Indian leader in our independent history to be accorded the honor of a state visit by the US President. He also will become the only Indian leader to address the US Congress twice,” said Sandhu.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the special relationship between the two countries, describing it as a unique connection between the world’s oldest and largest democracies. He acknowledged the significant trade ties, with trade between the nations reaching a record $191 billion last year, making the US India’s largest trading partner. Blinken also highlighted the substantial investments made by American and Indian companies in each other’s countries, which have supported numerous jobs.
The state visit holds great anticipation on both sides, as it signifies the strengthening of bilateral relations and underscores the shared commitment to addressing regional and global challenges.
