New Delhi, June 16: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs in its press release has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a significant state visit to the USA and Egypt, spanning from June 20th to June 25th.
PM Modi’s State Visit to the USA:
The visit will commence in New York, where PM Modi will lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations Headquarters on June 21, underscoring the importance of holistic well-being and India’s cultural heritage.
Continuing the high-level dialogue, PM Modi will travel to Washington D.C., where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22 and engage in productive discussions with President Joe Biden.
An exceptional honour awaits PM Modi as he is invited to address a Joint Sitting of the U.S. Congress on June 22, becoming the fourth leader ever to address Congress twice, joining the ranks of distinguished figures such as Winston Churchill.
PM Modi will get a bipartisan welcome in Congress, underlining the importance of India ties in American foreign policy. On June 23, PM Modi will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will also engage with influential CEOs, professionals, and stakeholders, promoting economic cooperation and exploring avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Furthermore, the visit presents an opportunity for Prime Minister Modi to engage with the vibrant Indian community in the US, highlighting their contributions and fostering stronger people-to-people ties.
PM Modi’s State Visit to Egypt:
Following his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Modi will embark on a state visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt from June 24 to June 25.
This visit comes in response to an invitation extended by Mr Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, during his presentation as the ‘Chief Guest’ at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to engage in meaningful interactions with high-ranking officials from the Egyptian Government, as well as influential figures within Egypt.
These engagements aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and facilitate the exploration of fresh avenues for collaboration between the two nations.
Additionally, he will meet with members of the Indian diaspora, reaffirming their importance as a bridge between nations.
Growing India’s Global Presence:
Along with these state visits, Prime Minister Modi’s recent international visits, including the trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, demonstrate India’s expanding strategic presence across continents.
India is actively engaging with regional powers and strategic actors, aiming to increase its influence in diverse regions, including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Africa, thereby creating a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
The state visits to the USA and Egypt serve as crucial opportunities to intensify strategic cooperation and collaboration.
In the USA, discussions will focus on cutting-edge military technology transfer and expanding defence cooperation, while in Egypt, the aim is to enhance strategic cooperation in defence co-production, military exercises, and defence exports.
The United States sees India as a key partner in containing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts argue that India’s refusal to join the US military alliance highlights its commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy while representing the interests of the Global South in a multipolar world.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, Indian foreign policy has shifted towards a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing strategic partnerships and emphasizing cooperation in defence, technology, and trade.
India under Modi has successfully positioned itself as a significant player on the world stage.
