Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 20 left for the United States on his first state visit to the country at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He will be hosted by the US President for a historic state dinner at the White House in Washington D.C. on June 22.

PM Modi’s US visit marks his sixth trip to the country since coming to power in May 2014, but this is his first state visit.

The trip will conclude on June 24, following which Modi will leave for Egypt.

What is a state visit?

A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state of a country to another country at the invitation of the leader of the host nation. It is an indication of the highest expression of a friendly bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The destination country acts as the official host throughout the duration of the trip when the head of state of a country embarks on the state visit.

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State visits often include a reception by the host and other special ceremonies. These visits are mostly limited to the "closest friends and allies,” and hence, represent the strongest of peaceful interactions between two friendly nations.

What is the difference between a state visit and an official visit?

A state visit usually happens when a head of state extends an invitation to a leader of another country to come to his official residence as US President Joe Biden had sent an invitation to his Indian counterpart PM Modi for a state visit to the White House, which is his official residence.

These visits are typically a few days long as they may include a number of elaborate ceremonies and meetings.

On the other hand, an official visit, or an official working visit or working visit, may include an official dinner, which may not be as grand as the state dinner.

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Official visits are marked as less formal visits that come with their own set of protocols.

Previously, Modi has made several trips to the United States, although this is his first state visit to the nation.

(Edited by : Keshav Singh Chundawat)

First Published:Jun 21, 2023 8:30 PM IST