Washington: U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy Powell plans to meet Narendra Modi, signalling a shift in America’s stand towards the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate in connection with 2002 Gujarat riots.
“We can confirm the appointment (between Mr. Modi and Ms. Powell),” a State Department spokesperson told PTI. The request to meet Mr. Modi has been made by Ms. Powell herself, but the spokesperson did not comment on the possible date of the meeting.
The meeting is expected to take place in Gandhinagar. “Most likely, the meeting will take place on Thursday, February 13,” a source said.
“This is part of our concerted outreach to senior political and business leaders which began in November to highlight the U.S.-India relationship,” the spokesperson said.
The development marks a major shift in U.S. stand towards Mr. Modi as it has so far refused to have any contact with him because over the 2002 Gujarat riots. Washington has also continuously refused to grant visa to him since 2005.
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