The leader of Opposition (Congress), Shankersinh Waghela (L) gifts a traditional Khes or a shawl to Indian Prime Minister-Elect, Narendra Modi during a special farewell session of Gujarat Assembly in Gandhinagar. PHOTO: AFP
"Broadly speaking, we welcome increased engagement between India and Pakistan and their leaders and other leaders in the region," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
More dialogue between the two neighbors "is a positive step," Psaki added.
But she revealed that as in past years Washington was not planning to attend the inauguration set for Monday.
"We don't have any plans to send a representative from the United States. It's standard for events and inaugurations in India, so it should come as no surprise," she told reporters.
Ties between Washington and New Delhi have chilled in recent months after the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York on charges of abusing her maid.
And the election of the Hindu nationalist Modi has also posed a headache for Washington, which controversially refused him a visa to visit the United States in 2005 when he was chief minister of Gujarat.
The refusal stemmed from allegations he turned a blind eye or worse to anti-Muslim riots in the western state three years earlier.
Both President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have congratulated Modi on his election.
In a messages sent to Kerry on his Twitter account, Modi talked about strengthening relations between the two democracies.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/statuses/468404568951250944
COMMENTS (15)
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To All those who claim that only SAARC leaders have been invited, please note that Mauritius has also been invited.
@unbelievable: That is fine. Since the US leaders were not invited, declining an invitation which was never issued seems strange to say the least.
Some countries try to act important when they not even given enough respect or importance vis via our relations. The tweets says it all. Modi responded all tweets to world leaders immediately on same day/hour with warm tweets even Nepal. But USA last, after four days even though he wished before many leaders after he won. India looks east policy ;)
@vikash kumar 1. why pose as an indian name? 2. when the heading is wrong and related to india you will get rebuttals. And don't be so intolerant about comments. "Please don't mistake it for genuine interest" if its not then why did you waste your time clicking on link and commenting on it? 3. " troll indian forums" Pakistanis are allowed to troll,abuse,sanely comment without any moderation on indian sites. Learn to be tolerant or don't post india related news that are incorrect if you can't handle it.
The USA prohibits foreign leaders from attending it's Inaugural Ceremonies and doesn't attend others ... India, Pakistan or anybody else.
@Another Pakistani: Modi has become PM of United States, not India
The United states is a 200 year old country, just like a 50 year old country called Pakistan.The US is the country of Christians, Pakistan a country owned by Arabs(Muslims).Contrast that with India, age?:Timeless, land of ? Hindus.Lol.For us, its a big thing, for we know who , when and how the rest came into being and where they too are going.Lol.
@Modified. Its good to be a fan of your leader and singing glory songs for him on international forums, but your songs suggests that Modi has become PM of United States, not India. Or did I read your posts wrong?
@Hmm: when was the last time we "BEGGED" anything from US?? These are the same americans who sent warships to our shores during 1971 war but were checked out by the Russian navy.....their president started war all around the globe killing thousands of innocent people and still gets nobel prize for PEACE, while MR. Modi STOPPED a deadly riot within three days is being termed as "mass muderer"....something reads wrong, isnt it??
Days are gone when India used to beg USA . Now we are our own masters . Don't know who invited these americans .
Where's the questions of their heads of state coming when the are not even invited? It's only saarc heads who are invited rest are dignitaries within india who may represent other countries. Btw america first of all never banned modi. He's visa was rejected in 2006. He never applied again. And now USA has clarified as and when he applies he's will get visa.
Who invited them anyway??
Only SAARC countries heads are invited
Except SAARC countries, no other country is invited. Others might be represented by their Embassies at best. Knowing Mr Modi, I am sure Americans are in for many surprises. Even heads of states require A1 Visa to enter USA. I am very doubtful if Modi will every sign on such Visa form. My gut feeling is that Mr Modi will deal with USA purely at business level. Modi knows fully well that American government plays very little role when it comes to business. I am not sure if Modi will take part even in UN meetings. He might depute some junior ministers as UM meetings produce very little results and nothing more than photo sessions. Modi's entire focus is going to be on economy and infrastructure. Modi knows it fully well that Americans can not provide any know how in this sector. Modi will be dealing more with Japan, China and Korea and to some extent with Russia. With others he will be dealing in a routine manner.
The US is NOT invited. Then, why such a headline?