Narendra Modi in US DAY 5: PM invites Barack Obama to India

0:10 IST Wednesday, 1 October 2014

PM again speaks shortly in a press conference. He expresses hope that both countries can embark towards a new path in the bilateral relationship. He says that it is easy to draw line in butter but not in stone. He heaps lavish praise on Vice President Joe Biden and Foreign Secretary John Kerry.

23:30 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

United State's General Secretary John Kerry says that India and US are joined by the common believe that anything is possible. He recalls the humble roots of Narendra Modi from a tea-seller to the Prime Minister of India. Kerry highlights several common points between the two countries. 

He says that in over 30 years of political life he has seen the ups and downs of the relationship between the two countries. Kerry says that perhaps for the first time both countries have same economic imperative.

22:45 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

The meeting between US President Obama and Prime Minister Modi has ended. The joint statement is being read out now. Modi says India is looking for energy cooperation in civil nuclear power. PM also reiterates that he has clarified India's stand on WTO to Obama. India supports trade agreement but is also looking to safeguard its food security policy. Narendra Modi urges President Obama to ensure Indian services company gets access in American economy.  

PM says US to play key role in developing Allahabad, Ajmer and Vizag as smart cities. There will be much greater cooperation in defence sector and US is also slated to rope in as knowledge partner in India's National Defence University. There was specific mention of Afghanistan and both sides are looking to help the war ravaged state.

We both are committed to helping Afghanistan and improving our coordination in this area: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2014

India commits to give 12 million US dollar to fund the battle against Ebola. Modi uses a smart line by saying US key to India's "Look east, link west" policy.

President Obama and I talked about economic issues. Our economic relations will improve even further: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2014

I urged President Obama to take steps whereby our service companies can get access to the American economy: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2014

I am thankful to President Obama for his warm welcome. I am glad to have been able to meet the President in the early part of my tenure: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2014

22:20 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

India and US agree to extend their defence agreement for 10 years: Pentagon sources.

21:00 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Narendra Modi has reached White House. Host of issues are expected to be discussed in this summit level meeting. Initial reports suggest talks have revolved aroung global terror threat and how countries can help each other in combating it. 

19:45 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

A joint article written by Narendra Modi and Barack Obama has been published in "The Washington Post". The article says  it is time to set a "new agenda" and with a reinvigorated level of ambition and greater confidence both the countries can go beyond modest and conventional goals. "This will be an agenda that enables us to find mutually rewarding ways to expand our collaboration in trade, investment and technology that harmonize with India's ambitious development agenda, while sustaining the United States as the global engine of growth," 

They said as global partners, they are committed to enhancing our homeland security by sharing intelligence, through counter-terrorism and law-enforcement cooperation, while we jointly work to maintain freedom of navigation and lawful commerce across the seas.

The two leaders said that "today our partnership is robust, reliable and enduring, and it is expanding. Our relationship involves more bilateral collaboration than ever before - not just at the federal level but also at the state and local levels, between our two militaries, private sectors and civil society.

Also Read: Narendra Modi-Barack Obama joint article: From a story of unfulfilled potential to US help in 'Clean India' mission, here are the top 5 highlights

Narendra Modi has met defence secretary Chuck Hagel and Maryland Governor Micheal O' Malley. 

Issues of the day - Ebola & Terror - among subjects discussed as Def Secy Hagel calls on PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VMghIyOGN5

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) September 30, 2014

Governor Michael O'Malley of Maryland meets PM @narendramodi, discusses innovative uses of technology in governance pic.twitter.com/AZEnbnxCWN

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) September 30, 2014

18:20 IST Tuesday, 30 September 2014

It's the last day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit. PM is set to meet Barack Obama to continue their parleys on different issues regarding both countries. Mr Modi will be greeted with a formal arrival ceremony outside West Wing.

Narendra Modi started the day by remembering father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the statue of the Father of the Nation here in the US capital. A large number of Indian-Americans were present to welcome the Prime Minister who was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj when he arrived at the Indian Embassy to pay tribute to the Gandhi statue in front of the mission. On the last day of his five-day visit to the US, the Prime Minister will meet US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and separately the Governor of Maryland state.

Homage to the Mahatma first. PM @narendramodi begins activities the day in DC by paying homage to the Mahatma. pic.twitter.com/rMNk8Z3XOt

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) September 30, 2014

Today is also being observed as US-India Partnership Day. Thereafter Modi will go to the White House for the official bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama. The two are expected to issue a joint statement at the end of the meeting. Modi is also scheduled to address a reception hosted by the US India Business Council (USIBC). The prime minister is also likely to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial here. 

PM @narendramodi in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/8z83q7GHi3

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2014

Martin Luther King, was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. King is an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the US and around the world, using non-violent resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. 

In Tuesday morning IST, PM had met Barack Obama for dinner. Other distinguished dignitaries were also present. It was only warm water for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who turned out to be the most unusual guest in the history of White House where he was the only one who ate nothing at President Barack Obama's dinner for him last night. A plate in front of the Indian leader remained empty as some of the most powerful men and women in the world seated around the table ate compressed avacados, crisped halibut, safron Basmati rice and salmon.

Some gifts were also exchanged by both the top leaders.  Keeping in mind the two people US President Barack Obama admired most, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally chose gifts for him which included a 'Gita by Gandhi' in Khadi cover and audio-video clips from the 1959 India visit of Martin Luther King.

"The Prime Minister has brought several gifts. At the personal level, he has brought a special edition of Gita by Gandhi Ji. This is Gandhi Ji's interpretation of Gita. The book was published many years ago," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

A personal gift. PM @narendramodi special gift for Prez @BarackObama pic.twitter.com/qnQG6u0nuF

— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) September 30, 2014 

With Agency Inputs