New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he looks forward to meeting President Barack Obama in Washington and is confident that his five-day visit to the US will mark the "start of a new chapter in our strategic partnership".
In a statement prior to his departure for the US on Thursday, where he would address the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and later travel to Washington for the summit with Obama, Modi said he views the US as a "vital partner for our national development".
He said his meeting with Obama will be his first meeting with him.
"His life's journey is a remarkable testimony to the rights and opportunities that democracies provide, and an inspiration for people around the world.
"Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the foundation for natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies."
"I see the US as a vital partner for our national development, drawing especially on the rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation - and, above all, a shared commitment to human values."
"Working together, and with others, we can bridge the many divisions of our times and contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world."
He said he will discuss with Obama "how we can use the strength of all that we share and all that we have built so far to take our relationship to a new level in the interest of our two countries and the cause of this world. I am confident that the visit will mark the start of a new chapter in our strategic partnership".
Modi said during his Sep 27 address to the UNGA, he will "stress the urgency of early reforms in the United Nations, to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in dealing with the challenges of the 21st century".
India is part of the G4 grouping along with Japan, Brazil and Germany that have called for reform in the UN Security Council and support each other's bid for a permanent seat in an expanded Security Council.
"The 69th session of the UN General Assembly is meeting at a moment of many pressing challenges for the international community - a still fragile global economy, turbulence and tension in many parts of the world, growth and spread of terrorism, the Ebola health crisis in Africa, climate change and the endemic global challenge of poverty.
"I will call for a stronger global commitment and more concerted multilateral action in meeting these challenges," he said.
He said he looks forward "to meeting business leaders to invite them to participate more actively in India's economic growth and transformation. This is message that I will also convey to the US business community in Washington".
Modi said he is also keenly waiting for the opportunity to meet the Indian American community at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
"Their success in diverse fields, their contribution to the US, their abiding bonds with India and their role as a vibrant bridge between the two largest democracies is a source of pride for us. They serve as a window to our heritage, progress and potential."
