Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic state visit to the United States for three days from June 21-23. While PM Modi has visited the US six times since 2014, this will be his first ‘state visit‘, the highest ranked visit according to diplomatic protocol – an honour reserved for close and strategic allies.
The ceremonial visit will see Modi attending a prestigious state dinner at the White House, holding talks with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, and participating in International Yoga Day celebrations at the UN in New York.
“This historic visit offers a valuable opportunity for India and the US to further deepen a comprehensive and forward-looking global strategic partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Here’s what’s on PM Modi’s agenda for the state visit.
Prime Minister Modi will take part in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters in New York on June 21.
"I am looking forward to participating in the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at UN with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the UNHQ North Lawn next week," President of United Nations General Assembly Mr Csaba Korosi said in a tweet on June 16.
Responding, Modi wrote, “Looking forward to seeing you at the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the UNHQ. Your participation makes the programme even more special. Yoga brings the world together towards furthering good health and wellness. May it keep getting more popular globally.”
PM Modi is scheduled to address the American legislature on June 22, and is set to become the first Indian prime minister to speak before the US Congress twice.
Thanking the Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, for the invitation, PM Modi said, "I am honored to accept and look forward to once again address a Joint Meeting of the Congress. We are proud of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, built upon the foundation of shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and an unwavering commitment to global peace and prosperity.”
The prime minister will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22, and meet President Biden for a high-level dialogue, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
PM Modi had met US National Security Advisor on June 13, and had conveyed that he looked forward to a productive visit and an engaging conversation with President Biden on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
Some “really big, historic and exciting” announcements are likely to be made on defence cooperation and boosting India’s indigenous military industrial base, the US Department of Defense, also called the Pentagon, has said.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a state dinner – usually a grand affair that sees American leaders and celebrities in attendance – at the White House in Washington DC on June 22, as per a press statement.
On June 23, the prime minister will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“In addition to the official engagements, the Prime Minister is scheduled to have several curated interactions with leading CEOs, professionals and other stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian diaspora,” the MEA said.
After this, in the second leg of his two-nation visit, Modi will travel to Egypt from June 24 to 25.
This is only the third state visit hosted by Biden, following those of French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.