Washington : A senior US lawmaker has said that there is every likelihood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama would discuss ongoing developments in Pakistan and their impact on India and the larger South Asian region on the sidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meeting scheduled to be held in Washington this week.
At a congressional hearing last week, ranking Democratic Senator Ben Cardin hoped that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would also pave the way for greater understanding of Washington’s position on Pakistan, the Dawn reports.
“And, clearly, Pakistan is going to be in the discussions. How do we advance the regional security, and how do we handle what India can do in regards to the Pakistan relationship?” Senator Cardin asked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five nation tour is scheduled to arrive in Washington today on a three-day visit. He is expected to pay tributes at the Arlington National Cemetery and also meet heads of a number of American think tanks and will attend an event to repatriate Indian antiquity by the U.S. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister will meet President Barack Obama at the White House where the two will have a working lunch.
PM Modi will address the 40th AGM of the USIBC (US India Business Council) and meet US business leaders who he said have, over the past two years, shown renewed confidence in India. The Prime Minister will also interact with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, many of whom have been valued friends of India and strong votaries of deepening India-USA ties.
The United States and India could also announce a major defence deal during PM Modi’s visit. (ANI)