US Prepares Grand Welcome for PM Modi with 21-Gun Salute at White House Ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for a visit to the United States from June 21st to June 24th.

The US National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, expressed the USA's eagerness to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press briefing on Monday (local time). Kirby highlighted the "significant defence partnership" and "terrific cooperation" between the US and India within the Quad.

Responding to a query regarding a joint news conference with President Joe Biden, Kirby noted that the full agenda for the state visit had yet to be finalized but emphasized the US's anticipation of hosting Prime Minister Modi. Kirby underscored the substantial defence partnership and fruitful collaboration across the Indo-Pacific with India, stating that there are numerous topics of discussion to look forward to during the visit.

Upon the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a visit to the United States from June 21st to June 24th. The Indian diaspora residing in the US eagerly awaits the Prime Minister's arrival, with more than 7,000 Indian Americans planning to gather on the South Lawns of the White House on June 22. They will witness the welcoming of PM Modi by President Biden and the First Lady, accompanied by a grand 21-gun salute.

During his stay in the US, Prime Minister Modi will deliver a significant address to the chairpersons and chief executive officers of leading American companies at the esteemed John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington. Furthermore, on June 22, he will have the honour of addressing a joint session of the United States Congress.

This exceptional opportunity was extended by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, exemplifying the bipartisan support and profound respect for Prime Minister Modi in the United States. Notably, he will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress for the second time.

The US invitation highlights the strong India-US alliance

The invitation letter from the President and First Lady commended PM Modi's previous historic address, which played a significant role in strengthening the bond between the two nations. The White House underscored the importance of the occasion by reaffirming the deep and close alliance between the United States and India. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the honour and expressed his anticipation for addressing the joint session. In his message, PM Modi reiterated his pride in the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US, which is built on the foundations of democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and a steadfast commitment to global peace and prosperity.

US-India relations flourish

"We are on the cusp of a momentous state visit by Prime Minister Modi, one that will further strengthen the enduring bond between our nations," expressed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He highlighted the exceptional relationship between the world's oldest and largest democracies, emphasising their joint responsibility to deliver progress and empowerment to all citizens.

Celebrating the robust ties, Blinken stated, "In the past year, our bilateral trade reached a record-breaking $191 billion, solidifying the US as India's largest trading partner. American companies have invested over $54 billion in India, while Indian companies have invested more than $40 billion in various sectors, generating 425,000 jobs from California to Georgia."