Security Issues To Be Discussed During Narendra Modi's U.S. Visit

The United States, she said, wants India to have good relationships with all the countries in the region, including China. "In a lot of these areas, we have overlapping interests. So we certainly are welcoming the Prime Minister to Washington, having a full agenda," she said. Afghanistan, Harf said, is important to a lot of people but more so to the Indians. "I think that'll certainly be a topic of conversation," Harf said.

The discussion between Modi and Obama over two days in Washington is expected to result in taking the bilateral relationship to the next level in terms of defense and strategic ties, co-operation in the field of space and counter-terrorism and unleash the potential of economic and trade ties, sources familiar with the preparations had told PTI earlier.

On September 29, Obama is likely to host Modi for a small working dinner, which is rarely accorded to a visiting foreign leader. The maiden meeting between the two leaders on September 29 would help Obama and Modi to know each other and prepare the ground for the next day's meeting at the White House.

Soon after his electoral victory, Obama had called Modi to congratulate him and invited him to visit Washington. Thereafter the two leaders have not spoken over phone, but there has been an exchange of letters between the two.

READ MORE: No Stops For Prime Minister Narendra Modi In U.S

Don't Celebrate My B'day, Instead Help In J-K Relief Work: PM