'India is a Key Partner', Says US Dept of State, Ahead of PM Modi's Visit

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State stated that prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to Washington, the US is looking forward to increasing economic ties and security collaboration with India. One of the most important allies for the US is India, according to Vedant Patel, the US Department of State's Principal Deputy Spokesperson.

"Our partnership with India is one of our most consequential partners and we look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration on a number of issues, whether it be enhancing security cooperation, deepening our economic ties, deepening trade issues," said Patel. He added that the US is eager to host PM Modi for his state visit later this month.

PM Modi has been invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to travel to the US on June 22. US Vice President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host PM Modi for a State dinner at the White House during his visit. In addition, PM Modi has received an invitation from the US Congress to address a joint House of Representatives and Senate meeting on June 22.

"During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to Modi. The White House added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US will provide a chance to reaffirm the close and comprehensive relationship between the US and India.

In the meantime, Karine Jean Pierre, the press secretary for the White House, stated that PM Modi's visit will be a chance to reaffirm the close and comprehensive alliance between the United States and India."The warm bonds of the family and friendship that link America, Americans and clearly, Indians together. And so that's very important to the US President," she added.

Based on shared democratic values and a growing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional, and global concerns, bilateral relations between India and the US have evolved into a "global strategic partnership." Regular exchanges of high-level political visits have given bilateral cooperation a sustained boost, and the extensive and increasing dialogue architecture has created a long-term framework for India-US engagement. Today's India-US bilateral cooperation is broad-based and cross-sectoral, encompassing trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, high technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and applications, clean energy, environment, agriculture, and health. In international organisations like "The Quad" and "I2U2 Group," India and the United States have also increased their collaboration.

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