– Trade woes –
But Washington is concerned about New Delhi’s recent move to block a key World Trade Organization pact that would streamline customs procedures and boost global commerce.
Modi said Monday he was in favour of unfettered trade – but said commerce must be done in such a way that enhances India’s capacity to feed its most impoverished citizens and to protect its emerging middle class.
He said that despite some differences with Washington, the wider relationship could still improve.
“It is not necessary we should have comfort in everything, even between a husband and wife, there is never 100 percent comfort,” Modi joked at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the two sides would also discuss the future of Afghanistan and the global fight against militant groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Modi issued a public warning to the United States Monday not to repeat its “mistake” in leaving Iraq by pulling out of Afghanistan too soon.
“Because after such a rapid withdrawal in Iraq, (and) what happened there, the withdrawal process in Afghanistan should be very slow.
Both sides are eager to repair the damage inflicted by a recent series of spats, including a crisis last December when US authorities arrested and then strip-searched an Indian diplomat in New York for allegedly mistreating her housekeeper.
US officials have insisted that a lawsuit levelled against Modi by a human rights group in New York over the Gujarat massacre will not detract from the visit. As a foreign head of government Modi enjoys diplomatic immunity.
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