Counter-terrorism, growth likely to dominate Obama-Modi agenda

A White House statement emphasised that Mr. Obama looked forward to working with Mr. Modi to "fulfil the promise of the U.S.-India strategic partnership."

Highlighting the Modi-Obama summit’s focus on “current developments” in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, the White House said that these where areas where India and the U.S. could work together with partners towards a “positive outcome.”

U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday hinted that his summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi here at the end of the month may to large extent focus on counterterrorism and security cooperation policies, including within its ambit the rise of Islamic State in Syria and Iraq and prospects for regional stability after the U.S.’ Afghanistan drawdown in months ahead.

A White House statement emphasised that Mr. Obama looked forward to welcoming Mr. Modi to the Washington during September 29-30 and to working with him to “fulfil the promise of the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”

Administration officials here said that the two leaders would discuss a range of issues of mutual interest including ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world.

Highlighting the summit agenda’s focus on “current developments,” in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, the White House said that these where areas where India and the U.S. could work together with partners towards a “positive outcome.”

IS, a militant extremist outfit that has in recent months gained control of large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq, has drawn citizens of numerous countries to its ranks, including from India and the U.S., sparking concerns about terror attacks abroad by radicalised returning nationals.

The summit meeting in the nation’s capital comes after the U.S. reversed a nine-year visa ban issued against Mr. Modi following this year’s Indian general election.

In days prior to his meeting with Mr. Obama, Mr. Modi will attend the United Nations General Assembly and then deliver a much-anticipated address to the Indian-American community here at Madison Square Garden stadium in New York City.