PM Modi In US: What Is State Visit and How It Is Different From Earlier Ones?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a state dinner on June 22.

The visit also includes an address to the joint session of the US Congress on June 22. Although he had previously visited the US on six occasions since becoming the Prime Minister of the country, this time it is different from his previous ones as it is his first 'state visit'.

So, what is a 'state visit' and how it is different from PM Modi's six earlier visits to Washington?

The 'state visit' is the highest-ranking visit which can only be offered to a chief of state (the President of a country or a reigning monarch like Britain's Queen Elizabeth). However, it must be at the invitation of the US president. By definition, it involves more pomp and ceremony than an official visit.

"Typically, there is an invitation. There are about six months of planning leading up to the White House events," Matthew Costello, vice president and interim director of the David M Rubenstein National Center for White House History, told PTI in an interview.

Grand Welcome

During a state visit, various key events take place, including a meeting with the US president, a grand state dinner held at the White House, a ceremonial arrival and departure ceremony with full honours on the south grounds of the White House, and a notable 21-gun salute. The exchange of gifts is customary, and spouses are invited to attend the ceremonies and dinners. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for press availability and photo sessions.

The visiting guest will be offered a room for four days and three nights at Blair House, the President's official guest house. However, the Indian Prime Minister reportedly stays at a hotel next door and not at the Blair House.

On the day of the state visit, there will be a state arrival ceremony at the White House, typically on the South Lawn. The President and the visiting Head of State will exchange remarks. "They'll listen to the national anthems of the respective countries, review their troops, and then they'll go into the White House for conversation, and diplomatic exchanges later that night, there is a state dinner held in their honour, and then they spend the night there as the overnight guest of the President, the First Lady at Blair House, the president's official guest house," Costello said.

Dinner

The menu at the dinner usually showcases a blend of culinary traditions from the guests of honour, infused with an American touch. It symbolizes the harmonious bond between the hosts and the guests. Here, the business part takes the backseat and the bonhomie takes the centre stage.

However, this dinner is not just about fancy meals. It is about an acknowledgement and respect for the visiting country, its culture, and its ideals. There is also a lot that goes on to show about the shared ideals, goals and objectives that highlight that the two countries can work together as a united bilateral relationship.

As a result, this invitation is considered very coveted and many leaders of other countries want to go to the White House. "That's beneficial to them, not only in terms of their political capital at home, but it's beneficial to them on the international stage. People start to recognise and acknowledge that this person has quite a bit of leeway. They have a good relationship with the President," he said.

Brief History of State Visits

The first state visit to the US is recognised as that of King Kalakaua of Hawaii in 1874. It started becoming more elaborate, probably beginning with the (John F) Kennedy administration. "Before that, they were fairly straightforward, there were state dinners, obviously, throughout Franklin Roosevelt's time, but the United States was fighting World War II, so they had to be mindful of not overspending, and not seeming too extravagant," Costello said.

"But when we get to the Kennedy administration, a big part of this is the Kennedys themselves; they used these occasions not only for diplomacy, but as an opportunity to demonstrate and display some of the best of American culture," he added.

How Many State Dinners Have Bidens Hosted?

President Biden has only twice previously extended such an invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon.

How State Visits Are Different From Official Visits?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the US six times since 2014 and met three Presidents: Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. However, this is the first time that he is on a state visit. The two other Indians to make a state visit to Washington are: Former President S Radhakrishnan (June 3-5,1963) and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (Nov 23-25, 2009).

There is not much difference between a state visit and an official visit except for the rank of the visitor and the varying number of gun salutes.

Normally, a head of state, and not the head of government is invited for a state visit. This is a significant development as the President is the head of the state in India.

However, what makes this official visit more special is Modi was denied the US visa in 2005 under a 1998 US law that bars entry to foreigners who have committed "particularly severe violations of religious freedom". The United States distanced itself from Modi after the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The United States lifted the decade-old visa ban on Narendra Modi after he came to power in 2014.