PM Modi's Visit Will Enhance Bilateral Ties, It Is Not About China or Russia, Says White House

WASHINGTON: The main objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States is aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between the US and India and has nothing to do about China or Russia, said White House official John Kirby,

The objective of PM Modi’s visit is focused on enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries, according to the White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications

John Kirby stated during a press conference that this visit does not involve convincing PM Modi or the Indian Government to do something different.

Kirby emphasized that Modi’s state visit is also not about Russia. It is about what they're trying to do with US’ bilateral relationship with India and improve it for its own sake and on the foundation of that, which is important to them, said Kirby.

He made it clear that it is not about forcing or coercing or even trying to convince Prime Minister Modi or the Indian government to do something different. He said that the visit is about focusing on where the two countries’ position in this relationship and to make it “more important, more robust, more cooperative going forward.”

The NSC Coordinator also said that "India's emergence as a great power" is supported by the US and was about improving and deepening the defence cooperation between India and US.

He also stressed that it is a big week at the White House. This visit is expected to affirm the strong ties between US and India and elevate their strategic partnership.

On the subject of defence cooperation, he said that there is improvement in the cooperation between the two countries and the US is looking to deepen and broaden it, while trying to find opportunities aimed at improving that defence cooperation.

He stated that in recent years, that defence cooperation between the two countries has improved, especially since the beginning of the Biden administration.

Stating that this week is important, he said a focus on this cooperation will be done, particularly in this week.

PM Modi's visit will result in strengthening the shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, the White House official said.

He further said that when a summary of their meeting is made by the leaders at the end, the discussion will be more focussed on the future and on the future of the Indo-Pacific.

India is a major exporter of security in the Indo-Pacific region, he said, adding and there are equities of its own.

Responding to a question if India could act as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, Kirby said, "It would be on Prime Minister Modi to take an assertive role. We would welcome a constructive role by any third party. It is a question that only PM Modi can answer."

Kirby further said India has been recognised as a huge contributor to humanitarian assistance and said they will welcome the humanitarian assistance to Ukraine provided by India.

More than just the red carpet and a terrific meal, Kirby said PM Modi's visit is concerned with anchoring the relationship between US and India.

He said that India has a vibrant democracy and they are also working on it. “No democracy reaches perfection. The idea is to become more perfect. We are going to work on this bilateral relationship," said Kirby.

He also informed that several Indian-Americans will also be present when Vice President Kamala Harris hosts a lunch for PM Modi.

Significantly, PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the United States Congress twice.

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