(Image source from: www.orfonline.org)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a week-long visit to the United States on Friday saying his visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader, and also help impart new energy to bilateral ties with the United States.
In a statement, Modi said he looks forward to meeting President Donald Trump in Houston as well as in New York, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly session.
He said both sides will review bilateral relations in order to bring even more benefits to our two nations and peoples. Terming the United States a vital partner for national development, said that their shared values, convergent interests, and complementary strengths provide the foundation for the natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies.
During his New York visit, Modi is scheduled to hold about 20 bilateral meetings. He will focus on India's role towards development and peace and security, with no mention of Article 370 which is an internal issue, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on Thursday.
At the United Nations, India will also host an event to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi that will see the involvement of several heads of state and government along with the UN Secretary-General to pay collective tribute to Gandhiji and emphasize the significance of his message.
During his visit to Houston, Modi will interact with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of leading energy companies in the United States with the aim to enhance India-U.S. energy partnership.
In Houston, Modi will also address at 'Howdy Modi' event for the diaspora on September 22, where over 50,000 Indian Americans, Trump and over 60 American lawmakers will be present.
Modi’s New York visit will also focus on important elements of bilateral relations and he will also address the opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. There he will be conferred Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019 for his Clean India mission.
By Sowmya Sangam
