From delivering his maiden speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to addressing public gatherings of Indians; meeting US President Barack Obama and other political high-ups; and seeking investments from business groups — a packed schedule awaits Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US.
For Modi’s five-day tour to the US from September 26 to September 30, a total of 30 engagements have been planned out in New York and Washington.
Expansion and early reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), terrorism and peacekeeping are among the issues that Modi is likely to talk about at the UNGA. India feels that the last seven rounds of discussions have thrown up enough material for UN member states to now begin negotiating the early reform of the Security Council on the basis of a negotiation text. India aspires to be a permanent member of the UNSC.
At the UNGA, Modi will meet the outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, besides holding bilateral talks with Nepal, Sri lanka and Bangladesh. Apart from meetings with US President Barack Obama, Modi will also interact with other political leaders of the US, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, Governors of New York, South Carolina and Mariland.
He will also meet with members of the civil society and Indian community.
Sources said that the interaction with the US administration will largely revolve around trade and investment, Defence relations, maritime security, energy, science and technology. It is expected that Modi will push for changes in the US Immigration Bill urging them to drop contentious provisions adversely affecting the Indian IT companies operating there.
“There will be substantive outcomes,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said. He added that security and terrorism will remain important aspects of discussions between Modi and Obama. US has issues with Intellectual Property Rights and Compulsory licensing with regard to drugs in India.
Focused to bring investment to India Modi will also meet Chief Executive Officers of 17 Fortune 500 companies. The visitors’ list comprises of top bosses from Google, Pepsico, Cargill, City Group, GE, Boeing, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Hospira, Caterpillar, MasterCard etc. While the PM will hold breakfast meeting with heads of 17 global firms, he will sit for a one-on-one appointment with six. India is looking for collaboration with foreign firms on infrastructure development and Smart Cities.
Incidentally, Modi will be fasting during the US tour due to Navratras. However, the MEA officials said that in view of his ‘Navratri’ fasts to be observed during his US visit which includes a private dinner by President Barack Obama, India has indicated the “dietary preferences” to the host and the preparations are being done accordingly. The PM will be largely dependent on fruits and lime-water during his US stay. In Washington, Modi will stay at Blair House, the State guest house.