Nancy Powell meets Modi; US embassy says it looks forward to working closely with next Indian government

NEW DELHI: Soon after US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell met BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, the US embassy issued a statement saying, "Powell's discussions focus on the importance of the US-India relationship, regional security issues, human rights, and American trade and investment in India."

"The United States looks forward to working closely with the government that the Indian people choose in the upcoming elections," the embassy said. "The United States and India are moving forward with a strategic partnership that is broad and deep. Starting last November, Ambassador Powell has shared and listened to views on the US-India relationship. She continues to emphasize that the US-India partnership is important and strategic," the statement said.

According the press release, the meeting was part of the US Mission's outreach to senior leaders of India's major political parties in advance of the upcoming national elections. During her visit to Gujarat, Ambassador Powell will meet with representatives from non-governmental organizations and US and Indian businesses.

Ending boycott of Gujarat Chief Minister, Powell met Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar. The meeting marks the end of a decade-long boycott of Modi by the US.

The US has sought to play down meeting of Powell with Modi, saying it is part of increased engagement with Indian leaders and indicated that President Barack Obama may not have been involved in the decision to end the BJP leader's boycott.

However, US has scotched speculation that the meeting between Powell and Modi would lead to lifting of the visa ban on BJP's prime ministerial candidate, insisting there was no change in its nine-year old policy that came in the aftermath of 2002 Gujarat riots.

Modi's visa was revoked in 2005 under the provisions of a domestic law on the issue of "severe violations of religious freedom".