In a significant foreign policy move, India’s new Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted President Obama’s invitation to visit the U.S in September 2014. Neelam Deo, director at Gateway House, comments on the implications of the visit for the bilateral.
Statement:
“In accepting President Obama’s invitation to visit the U.S for a bilateral meeting, Modi has shown pragmatism and clarity of purpose. He has set aside the bitterness surrounding the cancellation of his U.S visa to pursue foreign engagements which could augment his economic ambitions.
Modi is perceived as a decisive leader and expectations are high, domestically and internationally. The visit to the U.S is expected to be more than symbolic – numerous initiatives which have been in abeyance are likely to gain momentum.
It is notable that by September 2014, Modi would have already met China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Summit in July 2014. His invitation to leaders from SAARC countries to attend his swearing-in ceremony has already started him off on a positive footing in India’s neighbourhood. Bearing in mind developments in Europe, Ukraine, and the South China Sea, it is very important that Indian leadership and foreign policy is proactive.”
For more information or interview requests, please contact Reetika Joshi at joshi.reetika@gatewayhouse.in.