Ajit Karn
Reuters, citing a Washington official, reported that Indian officials are currently in discussions with their American counterparts to finalise the schedule of Indian PM Modi’s visit to the White House later this year. The report indicates that the dates have not yet been determined. With the recent meeting between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, the likelihood of an American visit by the Indian prime minister has increased.
During the meeting, both nations agreed to strengthen their ties in the areas of military hardware, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
In September, US Vice President Joe Biden is expected to attend the G20 meetings hosted by India in New Delhi.
During a midyear meeting of the Quad countries, hosted by Australia and also including Japan, the president of the United States is expected to meet with PM Modi.
Also read this:Ajit Doval will be direct with the UK NSA regarding Sikh radicalisation.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of growing Chinese influence and India’s oil imports from Russia. Washington desires that New Delhi distance itself from Russia, with whom it has conducted military exercises and purchased crude oil.
Moreover, in response to a potential threat from China, India increased its military expenditures for the coming year by 13% to $72.6 billion on Wednesday, as it seeks to add more fighter jets and roads along its tense border with Beijing.
The 2,100-mile (3,400-kilometer) border between India and China has been contested since the 1950s.
