PM Modi, President Obama visit Martin Luther King's Memorial in Washington
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Barack Obama for over 90 minutes at the Oval Office today. After the session, the PM, dressed in a grey bandh-gala suit, made a statement in Hindi, with President Obama seated next to him.
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The PM said his conversation with President Obama has reinforced his belief that India and US are "natural partners." Stressing the opportunity for economic collaboration, he said he has asked President Obama to make it easier for Indian services companies to access American markets
He also pitched for US firms to invest in India, pledging, "We are focusing not just on policies but on processes to make it easier to do business in India."
President Obama told reporters he was impressed with the "energy and determination" the PM has shown in tackling India's challenges and opportunities since he took office in May. He praised the prime minister's focus on addressing "the needs of the poorest of the poor."
Mr Modi drove into the West Wing of the White House through a US military colour guard in a black sports utility vehicle with US and Indian flags flying from the fenders.
He said he had "a candid discussion" with President Obama about India's move to block a key WTO pact that would streamline customs procedures and boost global commerce.
"India supports trade facilitation. However, I also expect that we are able to find a solution that takes care of our concern on food security," the PM said. India is pushing back against WTO limits on stockpiling of food which affect its subsidised food distribution programme for millions of people.
Mr Modi's warm welcome is in sharp contrast to his previous treatment by Washington, which refused him a visa in 2005 on human rights grounds over communal riots in his home state of Gujarat in 2002 .
Both sides have used his visit to stress togetherness and common goals: President Obama and the PM Modi wrote a joint editorial for the Washington Post today and traveled together after their talks to pay homage at a memorial to civil rights leader Martin Luther King in Washington.
The PM made his debut at the White House on Monday night, when he attended a private dinner hosted by President Obama. Mr Modi had given advance notice he would not eat as he is in the middle of the nine-day Navratri fast that he observes strictly every year.
Typically, visiting heads of state spend just a portion of a day at the White House meeting with President Obama and other US leaders. The second day of attention from President Obama is rare.
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