US Secretary Of State Antony Blinken Set For Two-Day Visit To India Next Week, Likely To Meet PM Modi: Report

United States (US)' Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be likely visiting India from 27-28 July for a two-day visit during which he is likely to hold meetings with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar, reports Business Standard.

Blinken and Dr Jaishankar have already met thrice over the last year, and the preparations for the upcoming visit are currently said to be underway. Blinken's trip to India will be the second high profile visit of a member from President Joe Biden's administration to the country.

Before this, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had visited India and held various rounds of interactions.

During Blinken's visit, recovery from the COVID-19 situation, vaccines, deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and the situation with respect to China are expected to figure among the key agendas during his meetings with Indian leaders.

It should be noted that India and US' bilateral relationship has been strengthening over the years, with deeper engagement in multiple spheres, including defence and foreign policy matters.