2023-06-21 20:27:57
US President Joe Biden receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a state guest at the White House on Thursday. In addition to bilateral talks, a state banquet is also planned for Modi. The Indian prime minister is also scheduled to address both chambers of the US Congress. As early as Wednesday evening (local time), Biden and Modi wanted to meet for an informal dinner.
Unlike regular working visits, state visits are accompanied by special formal pomp, such as a state banquet. Modi is only the third foreign guest to receive this honor during Biden’s tenure. French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit to the United States last December. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol followed at the end of April.
National Security Council communications director John Kirby has previously said that relations with India are among the most important bilateral relationships in the world for the United States, not least because of the country’s increased prominence on the international stage. Topics of the visit are, for example, cooperation for the security of the Indo-Pacific region as well as cooperation in the areas of defence, technology, energy and space. However, Kirby emphasized that difficult issues, such as human rights, were also discussed. “The state visit isn’t just about the red carpet and a great meal.”
According to the White House, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine should also be an issue. India has so far taken a neutral stance on this, and much of India’s military equipment comes from Russia.
The foreign policy of the Biden administration has a large focus on Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The USA is trying to counter China’s striving for power in the region. Biden has significantly promoted partnerships in the region, including in the so-called quad alliance with India, Japan and Australia.
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