U.S. Deputy Secretary delivers Obama’s invitation letter to PM

New Delhi, 11 July, 2012

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

Mr. Burns delivered a letter from President Obama to Prime Minister. In his letter, President Obama reiterated his invitation to Prime Minister to visit Washington in September and to work closely with Prime Minister to make India-U.S. relations a defining partnership for the 21st Century.

Prime Minister thanked President Obama for the invitation and looked forward to a result-oriented visit with concrete outcomes that imparts new momentum and energy to India-U.S. strategic partnership.

The Prime Minister was of the view that re-energizing the partnership between India and the United States would send an important message to the region and beyond. Articulating his vision for India-U.S. relations, Prime Minister stated that the relationship between the world’s oldest and largest democracies should not only be for the benefit of the two countries, but should emerge as a powerful force of good for peace, stability and prosperity in the world.

Mr. Burns conveyed President Obama’s desire to strengthen economic relations, including in next-generation technologies and manufacturing sector; cooperate in enhancing energy security; deepen security cooperation, including in maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence exchange; expand consultation and coordination on Afghanistan; and, work more broadly for security and prosperity in Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated his desire to strengthen relations with all neighbors.

Shri Narendra Modi recalled President Obama’s telephone call soon after the election and expressed his appreciation for President Obama’s detailed and thoughtful letter. He saw immense opportunities for deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of the relationship and laid special emphasis on involving youth in creating new avenues of promoting cooperation between our two countries.

The National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, the Foreign Secretary Smt. Sujatha Singh, the US Charge d’Affaires Ms. Kathleen Stephens, and the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Ms. Nisha Biswal were also present at the meeting.