Barack Obama looking forward to welcoming PM Narendra Modi: US official

Washington:  US President Barack Obama is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to White house later this month, a senior US official has said on Monday.

"President Obama looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to the White House on September 29-30," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.

The US president will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House during which the two leaders would discuss a wide range of bilateral and strategic issues including economic growth.

Mr Obama looks forward to working with PM Modi to fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of both our citizens and the world, Mr Earnest, who is the president's spokesperson, added.

The meeting will mark PM Modi's first visit to the US since his party swept to victory in general elections. "The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of mutual interest in order to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership," he said.

"They will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world," Earnest said.

"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," he said.