PM Modi Arrives In US On Crucial Visit

PRIME Minister  Narendra Modi has arrived in the United States of America at the invite of POTUS Joe Biden with a high-level delegation on a four-day visit. The Prime Minister was welcomed by senior officials of the Biden administration and India’s envoy to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Braving rains, a large number of Indian Americans cheered him at Joint Base Andrews with India’s flags. PM walked up to them. His engagements include participation in the Quad summit and address the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Thanking the  Indian community for their warm reception in a tweet, he said, our diaspora is our strength. It is commendable how the Indian diaspora has distinguished itself across the world, he said. The visit will be an occasion to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the USA and consolidate relations with India’s strategic partners – Japan and Australia, he said before departing for Washington. Modi said he will review the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with President Biden and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. he is also looking forward to meeting Vice President Kamala Harris to explore opportunities for cooperation between the two nations particularly in the area of science and technology. Prime Minister will participate in the first in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit along with President Biden, Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan. Modi said the Summit provides an opportunity to take stock of the outcomes of the Virtual Summit in March this year and identify priorities for future engagements based on a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. He will also meet Australian Prime Minister Morrison and Prime Minister Suga of Japan to review and deepen strong bilateral relations with their respective countries. Modi will conclude his visit after addressing the United Nations General Assembly focusing on the pressing global challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to combat terrorism, climate change and other important issues. The delegation includes NSA Ajit Kumar Doval and  Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.  Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar is already in the USA engaged in bilateral talks with his counterparts from several nations. Edited by PKC