Wells pointed to the steady stream of US officials who visit India as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries at the official level.
Narendra Modi and Donald Trump. (File Photo: AFP)
US President Donald Trump, who was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend next year’s Republic day celebration as chief guest, is looking forward to visiting India but the timing will depend on his other commitments, according to a senior State Department official.
“I am certain that President Trump looks forward to being able to visit India at an appropriate time,” Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, said.
Asked if Trump would come to the celebrations or would schedule his visit for another time, Wells said that the White House will decide taking into account “both the domestic commitments he has here in the US as well as overseas”.
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Wells pointed to the steady stream of US officials who visit India as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries at the official level.
“As somebody who helps manage India relationship, it’s amazing the number of cabinet officials and high-level visitors that we have in India every month of the year,” she said.
“That too reflects the density of the ties between our countries that I think we have over 40 major dialogues that take place between our government agencies and departments.”
PM Modi first met Mr Trump in Washington in 2017, and also at other multilateral meetings.
The invitation to attend the R-day celebration to Trump was reportedly extended in April this year. Narendra Modi-government’s first Republic Day event in 2015 had the then US President Barack Obama as the chief guest.
(With IANS inputs)
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