‘World is watching, It is a big deal’ US India business body chief ahead of PM Modi’s visit

WASHINGTON: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) president Atul Keshap said the entire US is excited about the Indian leader’s visit and that both New Delhi and Washington DC can be “arsenals of democracy in the Eastern and Western hemispheres” which would ensure deterring any potential conflict.

“The whole country and city are excited and buzzing here at the chamber and USIBC and we’re buzzing about it. We’re working night and day on our own ideas summit on June 12 and June 13 and also on whatever happens on the borders of the state visit. So I think both governments are putting full effort in we’re in constant contact with both governments and I applaud them. I think they’re focusing on the important thing, and I wish them great success,” Keshap said. “This is only the third State visit by an Indian visitor and the Indian leader to the United States in all of the history of our relationship...This is a really big deal in the way that the United States treats, honour visitors diplomatically. States visits are reserved for our closest friends,” he added.

Responding to reports that the Biden administration is set to approve a potential multi-million government-to-government deal, to permit General Electric (GE) to manufacture fighter jet engines in India during PM Modi’s June 21-24 US visit, Keshap said the two governments are working towards taking their defence and technology relationship to the next level.

“Well, let’s see what happens. Let’s see what the two governments can arrange. I know that they’re working very hard. They are deeply invested in ensuring that we can take our defence and technology relationship to the next level. The world is watching. This is only the third State visit from India to the United States. It is a big deal. A big honour for the government and people in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming here,” the former US envoy to India told ANI. (IANS)

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