White House: More than 7000 Indian Americans to attend 21-gun salute to welcome Modi

The White House said that the US and India would have a significant defence partnership and significant collaboration inside the Quad at the beginning of PM Modi’s visit.

John Kirby, the coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council (NSC), said at a news briefing that the US is eager to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He praised the US and India’s excellent defence collaboration and strong defence relationship in the Quad.

Kirby responded that he doesn’t think the full agenda for the state visit can be covered, but they are very excited that PM Modi will address the nation, when asked if US President Joe Biden is committed to hosting a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.

“As you know, the United States has a significant defence partnership with India and terrific cooperation inside the Quad, across the Indo-Pacific with India… We are looking forward to the visit,” Kirby said in response to a question. The Quad comprises Japan, India, Australia, and the US. The four countries in 2017 gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quadrilateral coalition or “Quad” to counter China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.

On the invitation of Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States, and Jill Biden, the first lady, PM Narendra Modi will visit the US from June 21 to June 24. The American Indian diaspora is also looking forward to PM Modi’s visit.

More than 7000 Indian Americans are to attend the 21-gun salute and welcome of US President Biden and the First Lady to PM Modi on June 22 on the South Lawns of 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 give a speech to a joint session of the US Congress.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate extended the invitation for Prime Minister Modi to make such a historic speech, showing their respect and support for him across party lines. He would make history as the first Indian prime minister to deliver two speeches before the US Congress.

The President and First Lady’s letter of invitation complimented PM Modi’s prior historic speech, delivered seven years ago, for helping to strengthen ties between the two countries. In its message, the White House underlined that it was a chance to reaffirm the two nations’ close and lasting alliance.

PM Modi thanked the government for the opportunity and said he was looking forward to speaking to the joint session. Having a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, based on democratic ideals, strong people-to-people ties, and a steadfast commitment to world peace and prosperity, is something that Prime Minister Modi emphasised in his address.