Washington/New Delhi
“I’ll be visiting India, an important part of President Trump’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr. Pompeo told reporters at a State Department briefing on Monday. U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced that he would visit New Delhi at the end of the month as he previewed comments that he is expected to make at an India Ideas U.S. India Business Council event, ‘the India Ideas Summit: Connecting Cities and States’ which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity both to give the set of remarks [at the India Ideas event] about how it is our relationship is so closely tied economically, but also importantly the things that the United States and India can continue to do to build out what is an incredibly important relationship for both countries,” he said.
Mr. Pompeo’s Asia trip will take place between June 24 and 30, and he will first visit New Delhi, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.
“Prime Minister Modi’s recent election victory provides an excellent opportunity for him to implement his vision for a strong and prosperous India that plays a leading role on the global stage,” Ms. Ortagus said.
The U.S. is seeking a stronger defence and strategic relationship with India, especially with regard to the Indo-Pacific. This is driven to a significant extent by its concerns over China’s growing influence in the region and globally.
U.S. Secy of State Michael Pompeo declares his India visit in end of June 2019
