WASHINGTON: The United States and India would explore various options to expand and deepen a strategic partnership when their leaders meet later this month, the White House said on Monday.US President Barack Obama will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House on Sept 29-30.

This marks a huge change in US attitude towards the new Indian leader who is still on a US hate crime list for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Nine years ago, Washington denied Mr Modi a US visa for his alleged role in these anti-Muslim riots.But President Obama reversed this policy when Mr Modi won India’s national elections earlier this year and invited him to visit Washington as his personal guest.

Know more: Sikh group urges Obama to cancel Modi’s visit

“The two leaders will discuss a range of issues of mutual interest in order to expand and deepen the US-India strategic partnership”, the White House said.

They will discuss ways to accelerate economic growth, bolster security cooperation, and collaborate in activities that bring long-term benefits to both countries and the world.

President Obama and Prime Minister Modi will also “focus on regional issues, including current developments in Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, where India and the United States can work together with partners towards a positive outcome”, the White House said.

“President looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to fulfill the promise of the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of both our citizens and the world”.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2014