US envoy Nancy Powell meets Modi: All else talked of, visa skipped

US envoy Nancy Powell meets Modi: All else talked of, visa skipped

Posted by Unknown on Friday, 14 February 2014 0

US envoy to India, Nancy Powell, met BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi at his official home in Gandhinagar for 60 minutes on Thursday. While Modi and Powell hadn't put forth any expression about the visit as of press time, the consulate issued a press statement, depicting it as "part of the US mission's outreach to senior leaders of India's major political parties in advance of the upcoming national elections."

Powell will likewise meet businessmen and NGOs throughout her trek to the state, the consulate said. "Her discussions focus on the importance of the US-India relationship, regional security issues, human rights, and American trade and investment in India," it said.

Prior, Modi welcomed Powell with flowers and a hand shake when she landed at Chief Minister's place here for the meeting. Modi likewise invited other people from the US delegation.

It is the first high profile meeting between Modi and a US official since the US State Department repudiated his visa in 2005 on grounds of "severe violations of religious freedom" in Gujarat.

The US Embassy said Nancy Powell's gathering with Narendra Modi was a piece of US Mission's effort to reach out to senior leaders of Indian Politics.

"Her discussions focus on importance of US-India relations,regional security,human rights,American trade & investment," the Embassy said.