New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the US will see the heralding of "action-oriented" defence partnership even as both sides are poised to take the bilateral ties to the next level in terms of technology sharing, ABP Live has learnt.
Defence partnership will take centre-stage during the bilateral talks between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden that will take place on June 22 and it will seek to create "strong and long-term defence relations," according to sources.
The Ministry of Defence Thursday approved the $3 billion deal to procure 30 armed Predator drones from the US. PM's visit to US is expected to announce the agreement along with a deal to manufacture GE’s fighter jet engines in India.
According to the sources, both leaders will also discuss “regional and global issues” in terms of rising tensions between the US and China as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Prime Minister Modi will also be discussing issues related to the neighborhood and the developments there with the US leadership, particularly with reference to Bangladesh in the backdrop of the US' new visa policy towards Dhaka in the wake of the upcoming elections there.
"What happens in our neighbourhood is often an area of interest when both the leaders meet," the source said, hinting that Bangladesh will be discussed and the tough elections that Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is going to face.
In a statement on May 24, the US indirectly warned Bangladesh that under its new visa policy concerning 'Section 212(a)(3)(C) ("3C") of the Immigration and Nationality Act', Washington will "be able to restrict the issuance of visas for any Bangladeshi individual, believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh".
READ | Modi US Visit: PM To Lead Yoga Session At UNHQ, Indian-Americans Planning Mega Cultural Event
PM Modi will kick off his US tour from New York, where he will lead the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga at the headquarters of the United Nations on June 21.
PM Modi's US Visit 2023: Full Coverage
PM Modi will then travel to Washington DC, where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22, and meet President Joe Biden. The same evening, President Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden will host a State dinner in honour of PM Modi.
During their meeting, Modi and Biden will discuss India's G20 presidency as well as give shape to the joint declaration, sources said. India will host the G20 Summit in September.