On U.S visit, PM Modi to lead UN Yoga Day fete

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-nation visit to the United States and Egypt next week, it was officially announced on Friday.

The visit, taking place from June 20 to June 25, will begin with Modi leading the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21. He will then travel to Washington for bilateral engagements, including addressing a joint session of the US Congress on June 22, followed by a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

On June 23, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will host Modi at a luncheon. Apart from official engagements, the Prime Minister will have interactions with CEOs, professionals, and the Indian diaspora.

Following his US visit, Modi will make his first visit to Egypt from June 24 to June 25 at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The visit aims to strengthen trade, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries, which were elevated to a "Strategic Partnership" during President Sisi's visit to India in January 2023.

India and the United States are aiming to elevate their bilateral ties to new levels by expanding their strategic partnership beyond government cooperation to include industry collaboration, according to sources. The focus of this partnership will be on long-term technological cooperation, involving the industrial ecosystems of both nations and facilitating technology transfer from the US to India.

Sources highlight the significant American interest in aligning with India's economic structure, emphasising the mutual desire to make the upcoming visit a resounding success. They also underscore the importance of facilitating the movement of skilled manpower between the two countries. In addition, efforts are underway to simplify regulatory frameworks to enhance trade and technological collaboration.

The objective is to foster a robust and comprehensive partnership that encompasses various domains, further strengthening the ties between India and the US.

In a statement, New Delhi stated, "At the invitation of H.E Mr Joseph Biden, President of the USA, and First Lady Dr Jill Biden, the Prime Minister will pay an official state visit to the USA. The visit will commence in New York, where Prime Minister Modi will lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21."

New Delhi further added, "Following this, the Prime Minister will travel to Washington D.C., where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22 and hold high-level dialogues with President Biden. President Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden will host a state dinner in honour of the Prime Minister. Additionally, at the invitation of Congressional Leaders, the Prime Minister will address a joint sitting of the US Congress on June 22."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also stated, "On June 23, Prime Minister Modi will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by Vice-President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Alongside official engagements, the Prime Minister will participate in curated interactions with prominent CEOs, professionals, and stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian diaspora."

Elaborating on the Egypt visit, the MEA said, "In addition to talks with President Sisi, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage with senior dignitaries from the Egyptian government, prominent Egyptian personalities, and the Indian community in Egypt. India and Egypt share deep-rooted historical trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. During President Sisi's State Visit in January 2023, the two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a 'Strategic Partnership'."