Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a six-day journey to the United States and Egypt on Tuesday. During his visit, he will participate in events in New York City and Washington, including the celebration of Yoga Day at the United Nations Headquarters, as well as engage in discussions with President Joe Biden.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister stated:
“I am departing for the USA, where I will be attending various programs in New York City and Washington, D.C. These include the Yoga Day celebrations at the @UN HQ, talks with @POTUS @JoeBiden, delivering an address to the Joint Session of the US Congress, and more.”
In a statement issued before his departure, the Prime Minister mentioned that he is embarking on a State Visit to the United States at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He viewed this special invitation as a testament to the strength and vitality of the partnership between their respective democracies.
The Prime Minister expressed his enthusiasm for celebrating the International Day of Yoga on June 21 at the United Nations Headquarters, in the presence of UN leaders and members of the international community. He noted the significance of this celebration taking place at the very location that supported India’s proposal in December 2014 to establish an International Day of Yoga.
Furthermore, he highlighted that his visit to Washington presents an opportunity to deepen and diversify the India-US partnership. Emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the relationship, he mentioned that the United States is India’s largest trade partner in goods and services.
The two nations collaborate closely in fields such as science and technology, education, health, defense, and security. The Prime Minister also highlighted the collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, which has expanded cooperation in defense industrial cooperation, space, telecom, quantum, artificial intelligence, and biotech sectors. Additionally, he stressed the joint efforts to realize a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, along with collaboration in forums such as G20, Quad, and IPEF.
The Prime Minister expressed his anticipation for discussions with President Biden and other prominent US leaders, which will serve to strengthen bilateral cooperation and extend to plurilateral forums. He also expressed his eagerness to address a Joint Session of the US Congress, acknowledging the strong bipartisan support provided by the Congress to India-US ties.
Additionally, he emphasized the significance of people-to-people connections in fostering trust between the two countries and expressed his excitement about meeting the vibrant Indian-American community. He also planned to engage with leading CEOs to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and resilient global supply chains.
The Prime Minister will conclude his US visit and then travel to Cairo at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He expressed his excitement for his first official State Visit to Egypt, following President Sisi’s participation as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations earlier this year. He viewed these back-to-back visits as a testament to the rapidly evolving strategic partnership between India and Egypt.
During his time in Egypt, the Prime Minister looks forward to discussions with President Sisi and other high-ranking Egyptian officials to further strengthen their civilizational and multifaceted partnership. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Egypt.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared in a tweet:
“PM @narendramodi begins his visit to the USA and Egypt.
“The first leg of the journey commences in New York, followed by Washington, marking the historic first official State visit to the USA, featuring a comprehensive program.
“This visit will pave the way for further acceleration of the India-US partnership.”