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By Alok Ranjan: In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the US on an official state visit for the first time in nine years. At the White House, he will be hosted by US President Joe Biden. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement said, “President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023.”
Even though PM Modi has travelled to the US frequently during his term, none of the trips were regarded as official state visits, which are the highest rank in terms of diplomatic protocol. The last state visit to the US by an Indian Prime Minister was by Manmohan Singh in November 2009.
What are State visits?
A state visit is an official trip made by a head of state who is still in office. An official must get an invitation from the head of state of the nation they are visiting. Presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs frequently make state visit.
The host country extends the utmost level of hospitality to its visitors during state visits. The host country is responsible for paying all expenses, including lodging and travel.
Usually, many events are held in host countries to welcome the visitors. It includes greetings from the hosting head of state and their diplomats, a military salute of 21 guns in honour of the official guest, national anthems of both countries being played by a military band, and a gift being exchanged between the two heads. Generally, state banquet is also held in the honour of state guest
According to the US state department guidelines, there are five different types of visits that should be granted to a high-ranking official from another country. These are categorised into state visit, official visit, official working visit, working visit and private visit.
The state visit is the highest-ranking visit, according to the rules, and can only be offered upon the President of the United States’ invitation.
The President’s official guest house, Blair House, which is close to the White House, is available to guests during state visits. A state visit guarantees several opportunities which include a meeting with the President of the United States, a state luncheon at the White House, a full honours arrival and departure ceremony on the south grounds of the White House, and a 21-gun salute.
The visits division of the country plans, prepares and carries out comprehensive itineraries for Chiefs of State and Heads of Government.
How some past visits of Indian PM to the US are categorised
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