Modi accepts Obama's invite, seeks result-oriented visit

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SME Times News Bureau | 12 Jul, 2014
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted President Barack Obama's invitation to visit the US in September and said he looked forward to a "result-oriented visit" with concrete outcomes that impart new momentum to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Obama's formal invitation was conveyed by US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns who met Modi Friday and delivered a letter from the US president.

In the letter, Obama reiterated his invitation to Modi to visit Washington in September and to work closely with him to make India-US relations a "defining partnership" for the 21st century.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, 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".

Burns conveyed Obama's desire to boost economic ties with India, including in next-generation technologies and manufacturing sector, cooperate in enhancing energy security and deepen security cooperation, including in maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence exchange.

The US president also desired to expand consultation and coordination on Afghanistan and work more broadly for security and prosperity in Asia.

Modi was of the view that re-energising the partnership between India and the US would send an important message to the region and beyond.

"Articulating his vision for India-US relations, Modi stated that 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," the statement said.

Modi recalled Obama`s telephone call soon after India's general elections and expressed his appreciation for "the detailed and thoughtful letter".

The statement said that Modi saw immense opportunities for deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of the relationship and laid special emphasis on involving youth in creating new avenues of promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Modi also reiterated his desire to strengthen relations with all neighbours.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, US Charge d'Affaires Kathleen Stephens, and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal were present at the meeting.