‘India and US have strongest ties’ says Matthew Miller

The US and India have one of the most significant ties and collaborate closely on the most important issues, according to US Department of State official Matthew Miller, who spoke at a news conference on Thursday (local time).

He asserts that India is essential to maintain an open and free Indo-Pacific.
Matthew Miller, however, chose not to provide specifics about the topics that might be brought up during PM Modi’s visit to the US.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is eager to see Prime Minister Modi and other Indian delegation members when they visit the US, he said. “So I don’t want to get ahead of the White House, who will be hosting Prime Minister Modi, of course. They will be making further announcements about the visit in the coming days leading up to the trip next week,” Matthew Miller said.

“I will say generally our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships…We work closely with India on our most vital priorities. They (India) play a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. And I know Secretary Blinken looks forward to seeing Prime Minister Modi and other members of the Indian delegation, while they’re here and working to make progress on all the issues with which we consult with India. But in terms of any specific issues, I will defer to the White House for comment on that,” he added.

PM Narendra Modi will travel to the US from June 21 to June 24 on the invitation of US President Joe Biden. PM Modi’s arrival is keenly anticipated by the Indian community in the US. On June 22, as Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome PM Modi amid a 21-gun salute, more than 7000 Indian Americans plan to be present on the South Lawns of the White House.

Matthew Miller stated that the US is anticipating PM Modi’s future visit during the same news briefing. He said that the US State Department will hold a state lunch for Prime Minister Modi.

When asked about his message for Indian-Americans on behalf of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, Miller said, “I’ve heard that the new American ambassador, Ambassador Garcetti, is actually a bit of a celebrity in India, as well. Let me just say again that our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships.

“We really do look forward to the visit next week. In addition to hosting Prime Minister Modi at the White House, there will be a state lunch here at the State Department, and we’re all very much looking forward to it,” he added.

According to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host PM Narendra Modi at a state dinner at the White House. At the John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington, PM Modi will also address the presidents and CEOs of the leading US corporations.

On June 22, PM Modi will speak before a joint meeting of the US Congress.