Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian-Americans upbeat about Modi's state visit to US

During his June 21-24 visit, Modi is expected to attend several events which include meetings with prominent business leaders and several community events

Indian-Americans upbeat about Modi's state visit to US

Indian-Americans are upbeat about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first state visit to the US and his address to the joint session of Congress later this month.

They feel it is going to be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations in areas including security cooperation, defence, trade, energy, technology and space.

During his June 21-24 visit at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Modi is expected to attend several events which include meetings with prominent business leaders and several community events.

Many have already booked their tickets to fly to Washington, DC, to witness the historic state visit.

More than 5,000 prominent community members from across the US will gather at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington to witness a ceremonial welcome, gun salute and address by both Biden and Modi.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity granted to the country's closest allies alone makes the community feel proud," Gitesh Desai, an Indian-American leader and president of Sewa International Houston Chapter, said.

“The invitation to address the US Congress serves as a reminder of the historic significance of the relationship between the US and India, reflecting the shared dream and commitment to global peace and prosperity, especially in the Indo-Pacific region," Desai said

While Modi has visited the US during the terms of three US presidents in his nine-year tenure, this is the first time he has been invited to a state dinner and the second time to address a joint session of Congress.

Modi had earlier addressed US lawmakers in 2016.

“Indian diaspora is beyond thrilled about the state visit and joint address to the US Congress. This visit is bound to further deepen the friendship, besides strengthening economic ties and investment in India," Jagdip Ahluwalia, founding secretary of Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH), said.

The bilateral trade between India and the US has already increased by 7.65 per cent to $128.55 billion in 2022-23 as against $119.5 bn in 2021-22 and $80.51 bn in 2020-21," Ahluwalia said.

Vedic scholar and computer scientist Subhash Kak said, “It is an interesting time in history with a serious challenge to American economic power from China."

During this trip, India's focus will be on trade, and facilitation of investment by tech companies in India as the Americans hedge their bets and reduce their engagement with China.

(PTI)

More For You

F-35B jet

The UK has agreed to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.

Indian Air Force

F-35B jet still stranded in Kerala, UK sends engineers for repair

UK AVIATION engineers are arriving in Thiruvananthapuram to carry out repairs on an F-35B Lightning jet belonging to the Royal Navy, which has remained grounded after an emergency landing 12 days ago.

The jet is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy. It made the emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14. The aircraft, valued at over USD 110 million, is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ahmedabad air crash
Relatives carry the coffin of a victim, who was killed in the Air India Flight 171 crash, during a funeral ceremony in Ahmedabad on June 15, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ahmedabad crash: Grief, denial and trauma haunt families

TWO weeks after the crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, families of victims are grappling with grief and trauma. Psychiatrists are now working closely with many who continue to oscillate between denial and despair.

The crash occurred on June 12, when the London-bound flight hit the BJ Medical College complex shortly after takeoff, killing 241 people on board and 29 on the ground. Only one passenger survived.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer apologises for 'island of strangers' immigration speech

Prime minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech at The British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference in London on June 26, 2025. (Photo by EDDIE MULHOLLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Starmer apologises for 'island of strangers' immigration speech

PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he was wrong to warn that Britain could become an "island of strangers" due to high immigration, saying he "deeply" regrets the controversial phrase.

Speaking to The Observer, Sir Keir said he would not have used those words if he had known they would be seen as echoing the language of Enoch Powell's notorious 1968 "rivers of blood" speech.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less