NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accepted an invitation from US President Barack Obama to visit Washington in September and said he looked forward to “a result-oriented” trip to “impart momentum and energy” to the strategic ties between the two nations.
The invitation from Obama was delivered to Modi by US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, who called on the PM here. In his letter, Obama reiterated his invitation to Modi and work closely with him to make India-US relations “a defining partnership for the 21st Century”.
Modi thanked Obama for the invitation and said he “looked forward to a result-oriented visit with concrete outcomes that imparts new momentum and energy to India-US strategic partnership”, said a release from the Prime Minister’s Office. Modi was of the view that re-energising the bilateral partnership would send an important message to the region and beyond. Articulating his vision for India-US relations, the Prime Minister said the relationship between the world’s oldest and largest democracies should not only be for the benefit of the two countries, but should emerge as “a powerful force of good for peace, stability and prosperity” in the world.
“Burns conveyed President Obama’s desire to strengthen economic relations, including in next-generation technologies and manufacturing sector; cooperate in enhancing energy security; deepen security cooperation, including in maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence exchange; expand consultation and coordination on Afghanistan; and work more broadly for security and prosperity in Asia,” the release said.
The Prime Minister reiterated his desire to strengthen relations with all neighbours, the release added.
Modi had invited the heads of government of SAARC nations and Mauritius to his swearing-in on May 26 after his massive victory in the Lok Sabha election.
Modi recalled Obama’s phone call soon after the election results and expressed his appreciation for his detailed and thoughtful letter. He saw immense opportunities for deepening cooperation and laid special emphasis on involving youth in creating new avenues of promoting cooperation between the two countries.