India's Modi to Make First US State Visit as PM

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Facts

  • Though he has visited the US six times since assuming office in 2014, Indian PM Narendra Modi will make his first "state visit" to Washington from June 21-23, where he will attend a state dinner with US Pres. Joe Biden, hold talks with Biden and VP Kamala Harris, and celebrate International Yoga Day at the UN in New York.1
  • Before leaving Tuesday, Modi tweeted, "We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology and other such areas." Military ties are also expected to be on the agenda.2
  • Though suspicious of each other during the Cold War, the two nations have grown closer over the last 20 years, with presidents Trump and Biden both publicly pushing for stronger ties. However, Washington reportedly wants to limit New Delhi's ties to Russia while working together to thwart China's growing presence in Asia.3
  • Alongside talks with the executive branch, including what the US Defense Dept. says will be "really big, historic and exciting" announcements regarding military cooperation and boosting India's indigenous military industrial base, Modi will also address US Congress on Thursday.1
  • Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch is calling on Biden to confront Modi on India's alleged "worsening human rights situation," including its treatment of Muslims and other non-Hindus and the recent conviction of Modi's main political opponent, Rahul Gandhi.2
  • Amid fears over its military and economic ties to Russia — with India having increased its purchase of Russian oil — the US is expected to approve General Electric's manufacturing of Indian fighter jets and sell 31 armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones worth $3B, among other moves.3

Sources: 1The Indian Express, 2Al Jazeera, and 3India – Gulf News.

Narratives

  • Left narrative, as provided by Human Rights Watch. As Biden condemns recent attacks on civil rights in his own country, it's time for him to push Modi to do the same in his. Modi's ruling party has persecuted religious minorities, opposition activists, and journalists — acts that are wholly antithetical to American values. If Washington wishes to strengthen economic and military relations with New Delhi, it should ensure that they are built on mutual values of respect and dignity for all citizens.
  • Right narrative, as provided by OpIndia. Despite empty accusations from opposition leaders, Modi grabbed the world by the reins in 2014 and has only grown more popular every year since. From bolstering the economy at home to paying homage to the Indian diaspora throughout the developed world, he has gained unprecedented respect from presidents and prime ministers to doctors and scientists alike. Prior to Modi's rule, Indians longed for a global figure to call their own, and Modi has become and continues to prove to be that man.

Predictions