Obama formally invites Modi, wants 'defining partnership'

Extending a formal invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit to the US, President Barack Obama has expressed keenness to work closely with him to make the bilateral relations a "defining partnership" in the 21st century.

Thanking Obama for the invitation, Modi said he looks forward to a result-oriented visit in September with "concrete outcomes" that impart "new momentum and energy" to the strategic partnership.

Obama's letter of invitation was handed over to Modi by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns when he called on him in New Delhi.

In his letter, Obama reiterated his invitation to Modi to visit Washington in September and to work closely with him to make India-US relations a "defining partnership" for the 21st century, a PMO statement said.

While receiving the letter, Modi said he looked forward to a "result-oriented visit with concrete outcomes that impart new momentum and energy to India-US strategic partnership", the statement said.

The prime minister was of the view that re-energising the partnership between India and the US would send an important message to the region and beyond.

Articulating his vision for India-US relations, Modi said that the relationship between the world's oldest and largest democracies should not only be for the benefit of the two countries, but "should emerge as a powerful force of good for peace, stability and prosperity in the world".

Burns conveyed Obama's desire to strengthen economic relations, including in next-generation technologies and manufacturing sector; cooperate in enhancing energy security; deepen security cooperation, including in maritime security, counter-terrorism and intelligence exchange; expand consultation and coordination on Afghanistan; and, work more broadly for security and prosperity in Asia.

Modi saw immense opportunities for deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of the relationship and laid special emphasis on involving youth in creating new avenues of promoting cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister reiterated his desire to strengthen relations with all neighbours, the statement said.

Modi recalled Obama's telephone call soon after he became the prime minister in May and expressed his appreciation for the President's detailed and thoughtful letter.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, US Charge d'Affaires Kathleen Stephens and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal were also present in the meeting.