Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama would discuss a range of issues of mutual interest, including ways to accelerate economic growth and bolster security cooperation to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership when they meet here.
“They will also focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the United States can work together with partners towards a positive outcome,” the White House said.
“The President looks forward to working with the PM to fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of both our citizens and the world. They will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries,” it said.
Ahead of their first formal meeting on Tuesday, Mr Obama hosted a private dinner for Mr Modi at the White House on Monday night.
The President, vice president, Joe Biden, secretary of State John Kerry and national security advisor Susan Rice among others were present for the dinner.
Mr Modi was accompanied by the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, national security advisor Ajit Doval and Indian ambassador to the US S. Jaishankar among others.
However, Mr Modi, who is on navaratra fast, did not not eat.
Before heading to White House on Tuesday, Mr Modi would visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and Gandhi status in front of the Indian Embassy, where the Indian-American community is expected to be present in large numbers.
On Tuesday, the local Indian-American community has decided to celebrate the Modi-Obama meeting with a cultural programme in front of the White House.
The local Indian-American community also organised “Dandiya Raas” and “Garba” with live music outside the White House to welcome the Prime Minister to America’s national capital and for his maiden meeting with the US President.
Meanwhile, a group of 11 American lawmakers has written to Mr Obama to discuss the issue of religious freedom in India with Mr Modi, during their meetings at the White House.
The letter, dated September 27, was released to the press by Coalition Against Genocide.
“I hope the issue of tolerance will be discussed during your meetings this week and in the future,” said the letter written by the Congressmen, who included Keith Ellison and Joseph Pitts.
