PRIME Minister Narendra Modi will head to the United States in what will be his first State visit to the US. The last few years have seen a dramatic change in the bilateral ties with both India and the US moving towards a closer embrace. While the usual pointers like defence and trade do constitute important parts of this relationship, the focus points seem to have shifted. China, Ukraine conflict, Russia and the Quad are what have been the recent triggers and are likely to govern the contours of this relationship in the coming years.
China, of course, is the most important part of this relationship. Both the US and India are wary of the rise of China, as is well, most of the world. And that is also where the common interest overlaps and one sees the Quad (a four-nation grouping of India, US, Japan and Australia) emerge. Even within the Quad, India is the only country that has consistently refused to censure the Russian actions in Ukraine. It is a sticking point in the India-US bilateral relationship but pragmatism has won the day for India. For the US today, India is an indispensable partner and the only practical option to countering a growing and aggressive China in Asia and the world.
State visit status
PM Modi is only the third world leader who will be accorded the status of a State visit, which is usually reserved for close allies. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the US last year, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol who visited the US in April this year, were accorded the honour of a State visit. A State visit is marked by pomp and a regal State dinner in honour of the visiting guest.
PM Modi will begin his US visit in New York on June 21 where he will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations Secretariat. This is also a testament to India’s ‘soft power’ and the growing acceptance in the world of India’s unique cultural aspects.
Much credit of this also goes to PM Modi who has never shied away from owning up to India and its rich cultural and historical facets. So while India grows in strength economically, it is also carrying along its uniqueness and its culture and that is no small feat.
Defence cooperation
In Washington the next day, the PM will hold talks with the US President. Major agreements in defence cooperation are expected to be announced during the visit. Later that day, a State dinner will be hosted by US President and the First Lady in honour of PM Modi.
Next day, PM Modi will address a joint sitting of the US Congress. He was invited by the US Congressional Leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy and Speaker of the Senate Charles Schumer. This is the second time that PM Modi will address a joint sitting of the US Congress, a first for an Indian PM.
For India and PM Modi, the US trip also signifies India’s emergence in global politics as one of the major world players. It is also important to note that despite strengthening of ties, India has shown no reluctance in embracing its historically close partner like Russia. This fine balancing proves India’s diplomacy is at its best today, helmed by a PM who has worked on India’s strengths to take the country forward.
